To bracket or not to bracket ?

[skip v]

Re: 78 Sceptre w/225 4stroke. The only thing left that needs attention is my transom. Glass looks great in and out but test holes come out mushy. I have looked at all the major brackets including seamarks literature. Probably will lean toward a armstrong wide single engine with 6' platform. I have heard conflicting reports as to how they effect the performance, handling and cockpit drainage. I will glass in the transom, eliminate the splashwell and top it with a new covering board. I would appreciate your expertise

[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.

[madmax]

i just had my transom repaired on my 23 septer 1980. i put on a armstrong bracket 30 in and the boat preforms excellent. make sure you get the 30 in bracket. the boat goes much faster and the ride is even better. contact reel smoker he had his cc transom repaired and a armstrong bracket, he also had a full transom put in. we both had the work done a wildfire marine in stuart, fl. my boat in now there being repainted.

mad max