To bracket or not to bracket ?

[BobViaFL]

I had a 20 cc 1971 open transom w/ a 235 Johnson. The only complaint I had was how easily it would take on water at anchor over the transom. Do a lot of shark fishing. My new, totally rerigged in 8/98, old boat is, or was a 1966 19 BR I/O. We took the I/O out glassed in the trans and put the Armstrong 30" Wide Body Bracket in front of a new Johnson 175 Ocean Runner. The only problem I had initially was keeping the hull in the water. Too much bow lift and to much speed. A friend fabs a large fin that bolts to the cav plate and sells 'em world wide. It was exactly what I needed. I would highly recommend a bracket. The difference is unbelievable. I run faster, longer, shallower, smoother and much quieter. Plus it's a nice place to pee or fish.

[LiveLine]

What kind of fin are you talking about? A doel fin or something similiar to Bob's?

[skip v]

Thanks for the help---Why a 30" bracket? Do I need it for the tilt or the added flotation. Due to the weight of my engine I would like my bow being stuck a little more, I can always trim up. I run offshore mostly and prefer not to pound. I have a fin on my mako which helps me from sliding on the corners. Don,t know if it would do much on the 23 as its a tank and takes a lot of push to getit moving. Once its on its feet it handles like a sports car.

[Reel Smoker]

Skip,the 30 inch or wide body bracket will give you more bouyancy at the stern and will bring your nose down being that its installed properly.You wont need a dolfin and as far as triming I find myself only using when I have to correct peoples weight. The more I use my boat now that I installed an Armstrong bracket the more I like it,infact I was considering selling it to get a bigger boat but reality finally set in I dont need it,I got the best 23 ever built SEACRAFT which I consider it a 25 now with all the space I gained. Go for it,believe me you wont regret it one bit. RS.