Bracket theory

[Bushwacker]

Originally Posted by FishStretcher

From what I can tell, all the (flotation) brackets all have centrally mounted flotation volumes. And no flotation out at the edges.

It seems like at rest, some flotation under the wide swim platform would help lift the outboard out of the water even more. Why isn't this done? Is the issue making the boat roll in a sea that was coming at an angle to the stern?

Or is there some other reason, like practical construction issues, or something else?

Fish, you might want to send a PM to Don Herman with some of your questions. As I mentioned in a previous post, the only reason Bill Potter did NOT make the tank wider on the Hermco bracket is to leave room under the swim platform for a ladder. Don is now looking at a wider-tank option because so many folks are going to the heavy 4 stroke motors. I think he was just going to extend the existing bottom surface and side of the tank all the way out to the second step. I don't think there is any need to follow the contour of the bottom on your bracket; if you eliminated that step, it would give you even more flotation!

I asked Carl Moesly one time what he thought about brackets, and he said "Why not just make the boat longer?!" That's an interesting concept . . . make the bracket bottom just an extension of the boat bottom, put the trim tabs on the back of the bracket and gain the advantages of a longer waterline length and planing surface! Sort of a "Euro transom addition" rather than a bracket!

As far as foam in the bracket is concerned, ANY water leaks are unacceptable, just like in the boat itself, so focus on building it right and eliminating any potential leaks!

I'll get you some height dimensions off my bracket and send them to you later today. Denny