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SUBJECT: # 37946: Outboard Motor Brackets
Submitted by Ty (139.169.62.25) from TEXAS on 9/16/02 8:43:00 AM
I own a 1989 251 Mako with a very lowcut transom and have decided that the only way I can feel comfortable fishing offshore consistently in it is to enclose the transom and purchase a bracket. I have 2 Honda 130hp 4strokes. I called Armstrong brackets and they said their brackets start at $2300 but they suggested a wider bracket for 4strokes-all of theirs are the wide platform brackets. I have looked at some other websites which mostly have powder coated alumimun brackets however, I seem to have a choice as to which kind with some other manufacturers. I can either go with the wide platform type of bracket or the standard bracket for twin outbaords which does not include the wide swin platform but also are a bit cheaper. Other than Armstrong, the manufacturers I called with prices I could find were; B Bracket, Stainless marine without bracket-18" setback for $1400 to 36" setback for $2200, and Seamount. Does it really matter if I go with the bracket with the platform and how much of a setback do I really need to fully enclose the transom? How stable are these brackets for both trailering and running and how hard are they to install yourself?
- 9/16/02 1:46:00 PM
Submitted by
Jay_from_bay (192.11.226.116) from MASSACHUSETTS says Brackets
I wouldn't go cheaper in this case, I can't tell ya how many brackets I've seen busted with the motors half way submerged, Do not go Aluminum .... And don't mount them yourself either...Go with the 36" setback since your motors have huge heads on them and you'll be trimming them up, the more clearance from the transom the better. The problem here is how the brackets are mounted to the transom, this need's to be reinforced bigtime and if not done properly your transom will be toast!
I'd leave it alone and pick your day's offshore.... IMHO
OR buy another boat :)
- 9/17/02 3:47:00 AM
Submitted by
Local Motion from NEW YORK says Armstrong...
..is the way to go. They are built tough, they are sealed and they provide flotation, which is very important here.A bracket that does not provide flotation will pull your scuppers underwater, this drives people crazy who have this problem.
Go for the bucks and you won't be sorry. :-)
- 9/17/02 7:44:00 AM
Submitted by
GrinMachin (67.34.4.234) from FLORIDA says bracket
I had a Stainless marine bracket on my 1994 Contender and it was aluminum I think and was real nice. Personally I wouldn't do it though. That Mako with an open transom is a very nice boat the way it came from the factory. If your concerned about getting water in the boat, just remember it goes out a hell of alot faster with an open transom. If you take a wave over the bow or side you will see what I mean while you are waiting for a couple hundred gallons to seep out the scuppers with a closed transom. With an open transom it just washes right out in less than 2 seconds and your ready for the next one. Many boats(probably most or even all) ride like crap compared to the same hull rigged without a bracket. Classic examples are the good old Scarrab 30 which was a good hull with no bracket and a slammer with one. It is probably true that that Mako is one of those hulls that is superior without a bracket. About the only thing you gain, performance wise, with a bracket is the ability to stay on plane at slowwer speeds. The other gains are that the engines are out of the way and a little quieter and the boat will look cooler and they make a good dive platform.
