Stoner Bracket Experience

[captsuperfly]

Hi. First post on the site. I’m planning a total stringers up rebuild on a 1979 23 Sceptre hull that will be converted to a CC. (The cap on the hull is already trashed and the builder doing the work with me has a mold to make a new CC cap).

The build won’t really start till January or so, but of course I’m already obsessing on details. The builder is suggesting an Armstrong bracket since that’s what he’s been using and they build him one with a big, deep flotation tank he’s had good results with on the 23. I respect that he’s done a bunch of these and has learned what works and seems to have it dialed in.

That said, I think I would prefer a fiberglass bracket for a few reasons. Hermco is no more, but I see folks suggesting the Stoner bracket. I plan on rigging the boat with a single Suzuki 300. From what I can see, the platform is a bit higher and that gives me more options when mounting trim tabs (I really like robust trim tabs). Also, I will wet slip the boat, so glass is a better option.

Has anybody actually RIGGED the 23 with the Stoner bracket and can speak to performance? Academically, the advantages are clear to me, but I’m hoping for any direct experience running this bracket with a single outboard.

I’m sure I’ll have a billion questions as I do this build, but figured one at a time is best.

Thanks!
Mike

[DonV]

Yes there are a couple of SeaCraft guys have used Josh's bracket. Look on IG for capt_jnamo He has one and is very happy with it, he has a 300 eTec and gets great numbers with it. Tell him 'dondebv" sent you his way.

Plus here's his build on here....
http://www.classicseacraft.com/commu...ad.php?t=29289

[captsuperfly]

Thanks, Don! I reached out to him. I'm excited about a fiberglass bracket but a little squeamish about going experimental when the builder has done so many with the other bracket. That said, I'll more than likely take the risk.

[DonV]

Very good!! Check out the "stonerboatworks" pages on IG, he's come a long way since I saw him two years ago. He's doing a black 23, of course with his bracket and it's pretty nice. Good luck.

[captsuperfly]

Yeah, I love that 23. The lines remind of of the Gloucester G20 20 footer I have.

[nate22]

I 2nd the Stoner Bracket also. I purchased 1 from Josh for my build. I was like you thinking about using the Armstrong, even received a quote from them with a detailed drawing of the bracket they were going to build for me. The tub for the Armstrong was 30in wide. The sales rep told me this was their extra wide flotation model, for a single engine.I told them I wanted a wider tub but the engineer told me it was not worth it for just hanging a single 300hp Suzuki of the back of my boat for the additional cost.

Josh's bracket has a wider tub at 34in or 36in, I cant remember the exact # but its wider. Also its fibreglass like the rest of your hull, and will not rot or pit like aluminium will over time. Have not mounted mine yet, but i'm sure it will preform good.

[captsuperfly]

Thanks that's helpful. When do you think you're hanging yours?

[nate22]

Not any time soon. I'm in the process of a complete rebuild that should be finished up next year some time. One its finished I will post pictures and performance #s