248 sportsman restoration

[csasdaddy@msn.com]

In your PB account, each pix has it's own IMG Code Copy and paste that code into iBoats.

It keeps fighting me saying it can't load them

 

[ondarvr]

Yes a can bracket can be built out of fiberglass, how well it works depends on the design and skill of the person making it.

 

[csasdaddy@msn.com]

Think I'm just going to save my pennies an get a aluminum bracket designed to help with flotation also . This shall be a long journey ahead for certain

 

[csasdaddy@msn.com]

Can I build up the transom area to hold two 235 Johnson motors or am I crazy . Again I ant go close the stern in like a inboard setup an use motor bracket on the back . Like if I make transom thicker an brace it back into the stringers will it hold

 

[gddavid]

I think you are being smart to stick with one engine. The weight of two engines with the leverage of the bracket wold raise your waterline close to your deck height. I will be much easier for a flotation bracket to offset the weight of one engine. A 235 should push that boat well. I ran a 250 Sportsman with a 260 Hp I/O for years and I think the weight savings of the lighter weight outboard would more than offset the smaller hp rating. Also, in my experience running a 2 cycle closer to its max output is less abusive than doing so with a 4 stroke so you have more usable percentage of the hp. Of course that size 2 cycle will make you pay at the pump. (Assuming the outboard is a similar vintage to the boat, please don't come after me etc guys)

 

[csasdaddy@msn.com]

The motor is from the late 80s 89 I think

 

[gddavid]

To determine the shaft length you need, measure the distance from the bottom of the transom to the top edge of the transom (where the engine mounts). As a gerneral rule this distance can be reduced by 1" for every 10" of distance the prop is aft of the transom. So if the distance from the bottom of the hull to the notch of the transom is 26" and the prop is 10" behind the boat, you can use a 25" shaft ouboard. If you run twins you can get away with shorter shafts because you measure the bottom of the transom directly in front of the outboard. This can be a substantial difference for a deep vee or modified vee hull.

 

[csasdaddy@msn.com]

Is my boat a modified or a deep v hull honestly I'm new to this so I'm trying to learn. All that I can

 

[ondarvr]

I'd run the longest shaft outboard you can get (hopefully the 235 is a 25"), his keeps the power head out of the water, especially in following seas when going slow.

Lots of people in the west put offshore floatation brackets on their boats, some people love them, some people hate the idea, so frequently a war breaks out when they get mentioned. I understand the arguments on both sides, each one has good points.

 

[gddavid]

Is my boat a modified or a deep v hull honestly I'm new to this so I'm trying to learn. All that I can

It is a modified vee but the name really doesn't matter, you just need to measure. I agree with ondarvr that a longet shaft motor allows the lower unit to be at the right height while keeping the power head further from the surface, just using the appropriate mounting holes to get the lower unit height correct (the cavitation plate more specifically). You should try and find someone else that has done the same mod to this boat before going through the effort, forums or classifieds of the same hull with a bracket and reach out to the owner to get their impressions. OMC sea drives were made in the 80's and may have been put on some sportsmans, they were basically outboards with brackets built into the motor, Google them.

 

[gddavid]

I just Googled OMC sea drive wellcraft sportsman and found some immediately

 

[csasdaddy@msn.com]

From what I have read an found most like the marine bracket . Some have even said it could use having two motors on the back for the weight to help steer

 

[csasdaddy@msn.com]

Here's one

 

[gddavid]

That hull really benefits from trim tabs, hydraulic adjustable units. The relatively high amount of dead rise of that hull, it leans when you are applying any helm at speed. Specifically when running across the wind you are turning the helm a little into the wind in order to go straight, this makes the boat lean sideways towards the waves. With tabs you can level it out. The are also really helpful for your hole shot and planing at lower speeds in bad weather or pull them up when running fast. That boat handles chop very well.

 

[csasdaddy@msn.com]

I was planning to add trim tabs I also have hydraulic steering

 

[csasdaddy@msn.com]

Does it matter what size trim tabs get an any particular type or brand

 

[gddavid]

I am a big fan of Bennett's, I believe ours had the 12" x 9" tabs, they were not very big but effective. There is a Bennett representative and member of this forum who goes by "Tabman" who provides excellent advice and support. I believe ours where original to the boat (1988) or close to it, we bought it in 1998 and they were still working when it was sold this spring. (boat was kept in the water 6 months of the year)

 

[csasdaddy@msn.com]

Tabman

 

[csasdaddy@msn.com]

Was thinking about something but like these http://m.ebay.com/itm/Insta-Trim-Bo...er-Proof-Switch-2016-/302001578137?nav=SEARCH

 

[csasdaddy@msn.com]

Here's one of those Bennett trim tabs but need a switch for them not sure on the wiring though. an should I get electric or hydraulic
http://m.ebay.com/itm/Bennett-Trim-Tab-Bolt-12X12-Electric-Trim-Tab-System-/271733641452?nav=SEARCH