outboard bracket

[killaman926]

Hey everyone, I am in the market for either a single or twin configuration outboard bracket for my 170. The only problem is that these things sell new for roughly $2000. Can anyone help me with some deals they have heard of, thanks.

[warthog5]

A bracket on a 17 would be a mistake. Your performance will suffer as well as the boat's attitude.

[Wilson]

I agree.  
Why do you want one?  Have you made a full transom?

[Mr. Osprey]

Killaman926 a while ago was searching info on if to close his 170 transom, correct? If you did, I would like to very much see some pictures of your progress. I think any bracket is going to be expensive for what your looking for. Are you looking for a a single fiberglass/platform type bracket or a jackplate type bracket. Do you want fiberglass aluminum?

I would suggest a single aluminum type jackplate bracket for the sake of wieght and power the hull with two 50hp Yamamhas. You could vouch for the 70's but weight is going to sink your transom. Stick with the 50's. That should be all the power you need. I think that your 170 is of the 70's vintage and they were only rated for 70 or 80 hp motors.

What did you have in mind for a setup and rigging?

[Wilson]

If you did, you may want to look in to a jack plate with as little setback as is nessessary to tilt your engine up.  Bob's or CMC make them.

Just a thought.

[sturgeon]

There is a marine dealer in Brooksville that has a used transom bracket that was in great shape and had full flotation.  I think it was for twins, but I am not sure.  I cannot remember the name of the place, but it was on US 41 North and would be the only marine dealer on that road in Brooksville.  I am sure you could find a number for them online.  I would get you the info but I am going out west on vacation tomorrow.  If you are still interested in a couple of weeks drop me a line and I will try to help you out.

A thought on the twin 70's.  That is a lot of weight and your 170 is only two hundred pounds less than my 19-6 which goes 34 with a Johnson V-4 100hp 2-stroke.  I had a 135 Opti at one time and it only went 38 so these hulls obviously can only produce so much speed. [/url]

[killaman926]

I have closed in the transom and curved the upper edge, but now am going to cut it down where the engine needs to tilt up. I was wanting a bracket for the reason of mounting a higher hp outboard or possibly a 4-stroke and still keeping up on flotation. I now have acquired a 100 hp evinrude and a 9" setback bracket. This should be an adequate application, I have tons of new progression pictures and need to upload them so be on the lookout in the next week. thanks for the feedback.
                                                                   LK,

[osprey170]

Please post pictures - I'm curious to see what a closed in 170 looks like.  

[Miguel]

I´m also waiting for those pics!!!!!!!!

[ddd222]

pay close attention to what warthog said, he knows!!! Not to say its IMPOSSIBLE, but adding the bracket depending on the type, changes many of the design and engineering that the boat was designed for optimal performance, and in a few cases at classicmako, enjoyment of your boat. Adding a bracket seems to have much less effect on boats 24' and bigger. Most of the problems over there involve 23' and smaller. I love the idea but after reading over there, i wouldn't even consider it on my 22'. The main problems seem to be w/ extra weight being pushed aft, and the source of the thrust being changed dramatically from original design, thereby the choice of height of the bracket mount on the transom, weight/flotation of bracket becoming a guessing game costing much $ and frustration to troubleshoot precise and optimal performance. There's actually been 1 or 2 guys there so pissed they wished they never closed off and added bracket. These are guys that spent thousands doing their original plan, then changed one bracket for another, de-installed to mount an inch higher, bought new outboards to enjoy there projects. AND, after all is said and done they say their boat was 10 times better w/ the 20 year old motor and original transom.
    True stories, don't quote me on specifics but i think u would find more than 9 or 10 problem stories over there, some guys have more time to vent there frustrations then others. Don't get me wrong i love the idea in concept,dry stern and adds some extra square feet. But will change the way the boat performs not only at cruise bot at rest or drift. I agree w/ wart, and it seems the smaller the boat, the bigger the performance etc. will change. BTW, like i said, not impossible but move forward cautiously

[RickK]

killaman926, I was looking in your gallery (transom looks nice) and noticed that at some point in time you deterred from your original plan of topping the good stringers and rebuilding the others.  Looks like you gutted her and also decided to cut the inner liner out - why?