74 22'2 TRANSOM BRACKET

[sonny]

i have added a fair amount of weight to my transom closing it in and i will be adding an aluminum flotation type w/ platform transom bracket.  anyone out there had any bad experiences with this situation.  i plan to move my 55 gal tank forward as much as possible and the console some as well.  97 johnson 225 in addition.  anyone have any input on what i might expect.  these boats already sit stern heavy.

[LilRichard]

It's just my opinion, but a 225 on a '74 222 is a LOT of weight - that motor is about 500lbs, right?  What is the setback of the bracket?

[sonny]

26 inch setback.  the motor has been on this boat for years and before my rebuild posed no issue.  do you think these flotation brackets provide enough flotation to compensate for there own weight?

[sonny]

trying to put some pictures up?
http://s277.photobucket.com/albums/kk43/sonnyspano/

[LilRichard]

26 inch setback.  the motor has been on this boat for years and before my rebuild posed no issue.  do you think these flotation brackets provide enough flotation to compensate for there own weight?

I have not had a floatation bracket so I do not have a valid opinion - but I assume that should help.  However that setback combined with a big moter (read: heavy) could be an issue.

[LilRichard]

trying to put some pictures up?
http://s277.photobucket.com/albums/kk43/sonnyspano/

Looks good from the inside...

[Mad Dog]

Sonny,

Looking at your pics gave me flashbacks.  The original transom cut out with the same adjusting bracket is exactly where I started.  I am in the rebuild process as well.  My plans are for a 24" bracket with a 6" jack plate.  If the calculation for flotation foam is close ( 1 cubic foot of foam = 60 lbs of flotation), then for every cubic foot the bracket displaces = 60 lbs of flotation less the weight of the bracket.  The combination of displacement and weight shift should neutralize the additional leverage.

I replaced the old 60 gallon tank and moved it about 18" forward.  The console will be about 12" further forward as well and the batteries will be located in the console.  I expect the boat to self baling when I am done.

The 225 engine is a more HP & weight than one tends to see on this boat.  If I recall correctly there was a twin configuration that would have been heavier than the recommended single configuration.  So, the worst case is probably not being happy with how the boat sits in the water which could be cured by a lighter engine.  

I am replacing the flotation foam under the sole just to make sure she sits level in an emergency.

MD  

[slippery73]

If you go the bracket route I wouldn't recommend foaming the engine bracket. Ive seen quite a few rebuilds where the bracket had a slow leak because of a bad seal against the transom and it slowly gets waterlogged adding more weight to the transom. I'd just use the bracket with an airspace for flotation and have a good waterproof inspection hatch and maybe a threaded drain for the bottom of the bracket. This will give more flotation as well.

[sonny]

thanks for the input guys i think i am in good shape.  the company i bought my bracket from did a good job.  they did all the math for me.  i just am a seeing is believing kind of person.

[Mad Dog]

If you go the bracket route I wouldn't recommend foaming the engine bracket. Ive seen quite a few rebuilds where the bracket had a slow leak because of a bad seal against the transom and it slowly gets waterlogged adding more weight to the transom. I'd just use the bracket with an airspace for flotation and have a good waterproof inspection hatch and maybe a threaded drain for the bottom of the bracket. This will give more flotation as well.

I agree.  Foam in the bracket will not help with flotation.  Foam in hull is there to keep a substantial air pocket in place in case the boat gets swamped or big hole in the hull.  Also, you want to keep the bracket empty to access the attachment hardware.

MD