Offshore bracket

[WP]

O.K....I have a question that I have no experience or expertise in: What does it cost/take to close in an aluminum boat and add an offshore bracket instead? I am considering it if the cost is reasonable and the risks minimal. When I got my boat I sorta wanted the offshore but couldn't get it stock on the boat I wanted (and bought). I still think they have distinct advanages. What are the problems in converting? Who does this kind of work? Any warnings from others with experience? Any and all help would be appreciated!

[ANDYCOHO]

You might try Motion Marine, they were doing some sort of offshore bracket on a Hewes craft(or similiar boat) a while back when I picked up some suplies.

[jphelps]

I have an offshore bracket on my boat. I have ran many boats without the bracket and in my opinion the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. When running in big water you don't lose the bit in the prop. The motor always stays in good water. If you need to you can stand on the bracket to do anything you need with the motor. I have a honda 225 so noise is not problem but I would imagine if I had a 2 stroke having the motor sit back a bit would be a bit quieter. My bracke goes the whole width of the boat so it makes a nice swim platform for my rugrats to get back in the boat after I throw them off for losing a fish. All in All I am very happy haveing the bracket.

[Mello-Yello]

I think you have a number of options Dave. A custom number would be idea. I've also seen bolt-on units.

One big assett I've found with mine is, when back-trolling against chop, the motor(s) tend to break anything up that my otherwise have tried to slop into the boat on a regular transom. As most do, mine has additional floatation built into it. I would highly recommend this on a custom bracket.

If you do get one, you may find yourself wanting trim tabs next. The motor hanging farther back tends to pull the rear down a bit. This makes it a little harder to keep the nose down on a slow plane. The trim tabs definetly fix this though. You can trim w/your motor too, but lose a lot of effeciency with your prop angled down.

In your case, I think you'd be taking a very nice 'Salty' boat and making it even saltier.

Just do it!

M-Y

[1pump]

Gil Marine brackets

[WP]

The Gil marine brackets are good looking but they are not designed for accomadating a kicker and I still need to have the back of the boat closed in and structural work done. It looks like they are mostly for new boats? I am still open to suggestions of a fabricator/ boat repair shop that has experience in this and is not too expensive! I have e-mailed Motion Marine and have yet to hear back.
Thanks, WP

[Hellibut]

I’ve had several boats without the offshore bracket and after a bit of research and going out with someone that had one, decided it was the only way to go on my new boat. Besides the added room in the boat, and the platform outside the boat, the handling characteristics are like a much larger boat that I couldn’t afford. I think the only way your going to get an idea on cost is to have someone look at it. It could require some major structural work or could require very little. It kind of makes one wonder why you were unable to get this with the boat. Not all boats are suited for an offshore bracket. I would check with the manufacturer of the boat to ensure this could be applied. As mentioned by Mellow-Yellow the trim tabs will come next if you are able to get the bracket.
As far as enclosing the top I would be very interested in what you end up with, as I have been interested in doing this as well.
I know a private party in your area that does excellent work at a good price. If you want to shoot me an e-mail I’ll hook you up. He can at least give you an estimate.

[Birdnest]

WP,

Have you called the folks over in Colville? Since they make them in the 22'SR they might not have to reinvent the wheel for you. As mentioned above, they can also put the kibosh on anything that the boat wouldn't be able to handle. I would be very intersted in what you find out.

Joe