Bracket theory

[FishStretcher]

If I manage to get the height of the bracket right, then the extra volume was worth another 140 lb of flotation, if I remember correctly. On a 6 foot wide bracket with 30" setback, the extra "boxes" leave ~8" of width on each side for trim tabs.

The story is: I bought someone else's custom aluminum bracket and I want to modify it for more flotation. He seems to be a very talented metal fabricator/artist.

The bracket needs a little work with the bridgeport and plasma cutter first, it weighs a bit more than I like at about 135 pounds and is probably overkill, with 1/2" plate in places, 1/4" everywhere else. I think I can add the boxes on the side and get it down around 105-110 lb dry. I don't think I can modify it to be a lot lighter (if at all) than a fiberglass bracket, but it is what I have. Maybe with a design from scratch with some thinner sheet, but I am not doing that. Plus a thinner wall makes it more susceptible to failure when it eventually does corrode.

I think with the steps, it should still be far enough in height from the planing surface of the standard hull to be dry when on plane.