Motor and bracket setup info

[awood]

First time post, will be sending my '75 222 semi v to paint in about 6 weeks and am starting to buy bolt on items. Boat is a total rebuild, closed transom, and will be fit with a  new Yamaha F150 on a flotation bracket w no platform. I am looking for  someone with experience in a similar set up who has a recommendation on whether to fit with 20 or 25" motor, and setback for the bracket. I've read around and have seen spotty info but it seems to lean towards the 25" with a 26-30" setback for the bracket. Any related info would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Blue Agave]

Have you purchased the bracket already?  If so, that will dictate the shaft length of the motor. If you haven't yet purchased the bracket I would recommend the 25" shaft motor. That will put your power head 5" higher from the water surface.  I have a bracket with a 30" setback mounted to the transom of my '75 19'6" and I am very happy with it.

[awood]

Thanks, Yes I saw your previous posts, boat seems like it sits well. Nice rig. I have not purchased the bracket. Couple of questions, with your 30" bracket, when the motor is kicked all the way up, what would you say your clearance is from cowling to your transom? I know there are some variables in there, but just trying to get an idea. Secondly, was kicking around the idea of a jack plate in combination with a shorter bracket, though I have read that some bracket manufacturers don't like this idea. Any take on this?

[Blue Agave]

Not sure of the clearance when the motor is all the way up, but I have no concerns when tilting up. I can tilt up all the way no problem. I can get a measurement next time I'm out. Regarding the jackplate, I had this conversation with Armstrong when I was building my boat and they stated to me that if I wanted a jackplate that they would not recommend the 30" setback as that would put the motor 36" off the transom. Their recommendation was not to exceed a setback of 30", if I wanted the jackplate their recommendation was the 24" setback bracket.  I decided to forgo the jackplate as I want the full platform with the 30" setback.

[mshugg]

Also seems like you’d give up a lot of flotation going to the 24” set back.  Maybe not as big of an issue with the 222?

[Blue Agave]

Also seems like you’d give up a lot of flotation going to the 24” set back.  Maybe not as big of an issue with the 222?

Agreed, more floatation with the 30" setback.

Awood, I went out and tilted the motor up and had any where from 12" to 15" clearance from the transom to various spots of the motor cowling. I don't believe tilting should be an issue with any of those setbacks on the 12 degree hulls due to the fact that the powerhead is up above the crown of the transom.  The more setback the more floatation and the higher the motor will be while underway.  Curious, how come no platform?  My platform makes me boat two and a half feet longer. It's great for fishing, scalloping, lobstering, and the sandbar, IMO you be happier with the platform.

[wingtime]

Having spent a bunch of time on Blua Agave boat I can tell you the platform is the way to go. Makes a 19' boat into a 22' boat with much more versatility.

[awood]

Thanks Blue Agave and Wingtime, all good info to go on. BA, I'd love to have a platform but the $ has got to give somewhere. Already nixed the t-top and a couple of other non essential items. Coosa ain't cheap. Have a painter hook up, so that'll be cheap(er). Also a time thing, Have been scraping it together for 3 years, wife was saying something about seeing me on weekends, I don't know. I wasn't really listening...

[Que Pasa]

I third Agave's bracket recommendation I love mine.