Adding an outboard bracket/offshore bracket

[The John]

Hey everyone,
Having now used my boat over the year, I am thinking about adding an outboard bracket/offshore bracket (east/west coast thing i think). I am looking to add a better way to come out of the water other than using my plastic ladder and I would love to have the extra deck space. I may have a line on one to install in my Mariner and I have until March to get it done before spring chinook season starts.

I searched around but wasn't able to find any specific information around installing an offshore bracket onto a riveted StarCraft.

Does anyone have any experience/advice/hatred they could share especially around bracing the transom area for this addition?

Here is my plan for installation (assuming it all comes together perfectly):
1. Add a sheet of aluminum to the transom (1/4 or larger thickness).
2. Connect the stringers to the transom
3. Use SS 1/2in hardware and large diameter washers to mate bracket to transom

What am I missing, what would I need to add for additional strength?

Thanks Everyone!

 

[Moserkr]

I am in no way qualified to give advice on an outboard bracket, but it has crossed my mind for my boat as well! I like the idea quite a bit for better handling, a step/platform, and more space in the interior. Go for it so I can see how you do it!!

If it were me, not sure if I would weld or rivet the bracket on. But I would absolutely reinforce the #%^* out of it, tying it into the stringers, floor, and walls. Basically everything I could to distribute as much force as possible to the rest of the boat.

@BOYS & TOYS I would guess you may have some expertise in this kind of fabrication.

 

[dingbat]

Hey everyone,
Having now used my boat over the year, I am thinking about adding an outboard bracket/offshore bracket (east/west coast thing i think). I am looking to add a better way to come out of the water other than using my plastic ladder and I would love to have the extra deck space. I may have a line on one to install in my Mariner and I have until March to get it done before spring chinook season starts.

I searched around but wasn't able to find any specific information around installing an offshore bracket onto a riveted StarCraft.

Does anyone have any experience/advice/hatred they could share especially around bracing the transom area for this addition?

Here is my plan for installation (assuming it all comes together perfectly):
1. Add a sheet of aluminum to the transom (1/4 or larger thickness).
2. Connect the stringers to the transom
3. Use SS 1/2in hardware and large diameter washers to mate bracket to transom

What am I missing, what would I need to add for additional strength?

Thanks Everyone!

Are you looking at flotation pods or an outboard bracket?

Big difference in design and purpose

 

[The John]

I am in no way qualified to give advice on an outboard bracket, but it has crossed my mind for my boat as well! I like the idea quite a bit for better handling, a step/platform, and more space in the interior. Go for it so I can see how you do it!!

If it were me, not sure if I would weld or rivet the bracket on. But I would absolutely reinforce the #%^* out of it, tying it into the stringers, floor, and walls. Basically everything I could to distribute as much force as possible to the rest of the boat.

@BOYS & TOYS I would guess you may have some expertise in this kind of fabrication.

Thats what I was thinking as well (tie everything together). My buddy is a structural engineer, he is going to think on it and provide some input. I think I will bolt it on as I think that will be a better method to tie everything together.

 

[The John]

Are you looking at flotation pods or an outboard bracket?

Big difference in design and purpose

I am thinking it will be a floatation bracket, this way I can add an easy way to get in/out of the boat via water and it will add some space to the dance floor.

I am planning on getting rid of the splashwell, but keeping a 3/4 wall to keep water out and provide a space for storage of gear and fish. similar to the below pic (stolen from the net).

 

[sidingguy]

I had a 19' Starcraft Islander V5 hull with a Sea Drive unit on it. 1986 year model.Rebuilt the boat,new transom floor etc. No knee brace or any other bracing present.Was really surprised by this.Motor was a 1.6 liter OMC which if I remember was 110 hp 2 stroke