Ride on 18's with brackets?

[jtnole02]

Snookered- When you say "The 80's 18s had the console moved forward to offset the heavier 18's (80-87)."

Do you mean the late 80s hulls are hevier to offset the heavier 1980s motors so they moved the consoles forward?

[jtnole02]

Let me back up and say that this is my first boat and I have only had it for less than a year, So here comes the rookie questions.

RED76-When you say propped right. You mean a 4 blade prop to get on a plane faster?

Right now the 1989 has a etec115 with only 200 hours on it that weighs 390lb, a dolfin and stainless 3 blade prop. Since its new, I will not be changing the motor. I will have to work with what I have. I do appreciate the suggestions though.

If I understand correctly, your suggestions are to get a 4 blade prop and some trim tabs first to improve the planing speed? If so, is there a particular prop that you would recommend?

Sorry, still in the learning process. Thanks!

[Snookerd]

Snookered- When you say "The 80's 18s had the console moved forward to offset the heavier 18's (80-87)."

Do you mean the late 80s hulls are heavier to offset the heavier 1980s motors so they moved the consoles forward?

Dog-
The 80-87 boats are not Tracker boats, see below:

(SIC = SeaCraft Industries Corp (1980 thru 1987 other SeaCraft Models) (Potter on Board of Directors approx 1 year after sale)

These boats are known for having more glass and heavier core materials. I can attest to those 18's, which we still own. It will definitely win a fight with a dock any day!

The 80's 2 stroke motors may be slightly more weight, but that is not the reason for the console move.

This is an assumption for the console move, but it is clear that they were moved forward Post-Potter. There are only 2 reasons to move it-rear deck space and more importantly - shifting the CG forward(if they were building a heavier boat, they needed to improve the CG). When Tracker took over, the glass and the core material changes reduced the weight. 2 things I like on a Tracker is its lighter weight for performance and the huge rear deck because of where the console is located. Next time you get a chance, compare a Potter 20SF's rear deck space to the Tracker 18SF's deck space. You will be surprised.

[Bushwacker]

Dog - Since your boat is an 89, I would hope it has a 25" transom. You really need a 25" shaft motor if you're gonna put it on a bracket. Don't know if it's the geometry of the bracket or the effect of the longer shaft, but when I had a 20" motor hanging on the transom, the power trim had nowhere near the effect on running angle that it does now with the bracket and longer shaft. I now use the tabs primarily for roll control and use the power trim to adjust running angle.

What size prop are you currently running and what is your max rpm/mph and min planing speed with a typical load? Any 4 blade prop will give you more stern lift than what you have now due to the extra blade, but some are made for bass boats with a lot of rake to create bow lift, which is not what you want. Look for one that's advertised for "heavy offshore boats, to help them stay on plane at lower speeds". I believe the BRP Renegade Offshore fits this description. Suggest you register on theE-TEC Owners Forum and post your prop questions there, including type of boat, weight, intended uses, and current prop and max rpm with your typical load. It's a great website supported by a couple of really knowledgeable technicians that can give you some good advice.

I've tried the 4B Michigan Vortex (aluminum) and Apollo and a 15x15 PowerTech with the old SST blade profile. All were a big improvement over the 3B props I tried, but I like the PowerTech the best and it uses the Michigan 2-piece hub system that is more robust than that used on the Merc props. I can plane at 12-13 mph with any of these props.

FYI - here's a link to a post I made a couple years ago on the Pro's & Con's of Outboard Brackets. Pro's & Con's of Outboard Brackets.

[Snookerd]

Dog - Since your boat is an 89, I would hope it has a 25" transom

Yep, made that way....

[76Red18]

Not necessarily a 4 blade. A lower rake 3 blade with cup on the trailing edge not the tips works well. Old style OMC SST(Hard to find, but what I am using), There is a similar Merc prop and the Yamaha semi- cleaver should work well. Your stock prop is probably the SST II which lifts the bow(cupped tips) 18' SeaCraft CCs don't like those. Trim tabs are great, best $500 I've spent. As for the 4 blade, I'd love to try a Bay Pro III. The IIs are bow lifters.
My old 150 Johnson is 375lbs and thats pushing the limits for rough conditions. Plane @12, cruise 28 @ 3800 - 4000, WAO 42 @ 5500. Those numbers are when I'm fully overloaded, 3500lbs or so

[BLKHAWK]

Can't comment on the ride before because had the work done as soon as i got it for more room.Closed transom in with a 20 gallon livewell armstrong bracket 05 150 mercury loaded for fishing 2 fat ass's in stern can hear water in scuppers but dose not come in.

[vcs]

I feel flattered that you copied my pictures of my 18ft with bracket. The work and bracket was done by Don Herman at Hermco

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/.../18bracket.jpg