Hydraulic-Porta Bracket ?

fdcityronco · #1 01-14-2006, 11:10 PM

Just curious, does anyone know anything about the Porta Bracket-hydraulic scissor action transom bracket. I've seen them on some high end boats and they look pretty interesting. Any thoughts on how it would handle on a 20' SC w/ 466 pound motor. The bracket has either a 17" offset/12"lift or a 21" offset/17" lift. Any thoughts or comments.
Thanks Rick

Finster · #2 01-15-2006, 02:02 PM

I am putting something similar on one of our towboats. It has a 12" lift and the pump system comes from a mercruiser hydraulic system.
The guy that makes them, makes them custom for each application.
My only concern is it needs to be durable and take many punishing hours of use. If it works properly it will be great for our needs.

fdcityronco · #3 01-15-2006, 03:49 PM

I'm just worried that there won't be enough flotation for a 466 lb motor if I take the flotation bracket off.

Trayder · #4 01-19-2006, 06:06 PM

I think, and this is stricky opinion, a porta bracket on a 20 with 460lbs would be an absolute disaster in regards to static trim and aesthetics.

There is a shot somewhere on the site of a 20 with a semi bouyant armstrong bracket and the ass end of the boat was 2-3 inches lower then one with the engine mounted on the transom.

With the flexibily of the porta bracket the performce under way may be amazing but at rest I see a disaster.

fdcityronco · #5 01-20-2006, 10:37 PM

Ya, I think I'm going to stick with what's on there now. I figure when I'm diving it will help a ton getting in and out of the water. Plus, In my opinion I think it looks better. Thanks for the post.

FELLOW-SHIP · #6 01-23-2006, 11:14 AM

I think I would have to agree with Trayder on this one. There is a reason why the manufacturers of boats are making their boats wider these days. These new Motors just weigh More and the older boats weren’t designed for the extra weight. Plus when you add that extra weight dangling off the back of your boat you are re positioning the center of balance of the boat in the wrong direction. For me “if it don’t have flotation don’t”. On my 23 I moved the gas tank, batteries, and live well all forward just for re aliening the weight. On the 20’ many of the guys have raised the deck 2-3” and are running a 25” shaft plus moving weight forward.
FellowShip
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