engine bracket

In the process of restoring a 1990 deep vee 24ft viper. The boat originally had 2 merc 200 outboards mounted on a stainless steel brackets. The last owner installed one motor in the middle after one died. Someone recommended that I take off these brackets and install a newer bracket that floats as this would provide better performance for the boat. I am looking around for performance as well as handling in seas. Any suggestions. I have included some pictures of the boat and its current rigging now. The boat is a project boat and I want to build it back right. Can anyone tell me what year and type of mercury the engine is? The serial number above the tilt motor is corroded and I can't find anything on the engine itself.
Thanks

Re: engine bracket

I can't see any reason you should get a different bracket.

That one holds air so it floats.

Very nice boat, you should really check out scream and fly.com's forum you'll find a lot more info for that boat there.

This is mostly people into old boats or fixing Bayliners, lots of good info but you really should be talking with performance guys.

As for your motor though post a question in the merc outboards section and I'm sure someone will get you the answers.

Re: engine bracket

400HP seems like a lot for that boat. I would think a single 200-250HP would be sufficient, unless you want to "Scream and Fly".

Re: engine bracket

Brackets are notorious for filling with water over time thus reducing it's buoyancy. Remove the drain plug and see what comes out.

Re: engine bracket

yes a pretty etec instead of that black anchor. i believe Blue ban mercs were the 70's.

Re: engine bracket

TD - That is a Merc from the early-mid 90s I believe.