215 explorer outboard bracket

[Tipinback99]

Ok I have an 1999 215 explorer I was wondering if you could put a bracket on this boat. I was considering on closing the transom in. And maybe putting two 90's on the bracket but worried about the weight. It currently has a 99 200 Johnson on it. Any input will be helpful thanks

[Capt. Bob]

Sure, why not.

First, your hull is rated for 300 hp.

Your current motor is just under 500 lbs.

200 hp is a good fit on your hull performance but the factory did sell a few powered with a 140 hp so 180 would run pretty good.

A 90 hp (two stroke, same year) weighs about 320 lbs so there is a considerable weight gain. Couple that with the bracket weight (a flotation type will help some) and you will probably experience some squat in the stern.
I would check weights on the models you were thinking of using. I could be way off weight wise.

I'm a bracket fan so yes a bracket will work well on your hull. You may want to stick with a single but the extra weight of the twins isn't much different than having someone standing in the back while underway.

I ran a full bracket on my CCP with a single 200 but I also had my live well mounted on the starboard side of the bracket so I had an additional 120 + pounds back there and it didn't seem to affect performance.

What brand/style bracket were you leaning towards?

Good luck.

[Tipinback99]

Thanks, I was looking at getting two new Honda 90 bracket would probably be an Armstrong. I've stood at the stern to see how much the boat would drop and it seemed fine and I'm no skinny guy (240 lbs) so the weight shouldn't be a concern.

[SC_HAMACHI]

Any updates on this? I have a 1999 215 Explorer and have always wanted to close the transom and have an bracket mounted outboard.