2002 228 Seafarer With Armstrong Bracket

[Bspdrs]

Hello All,

Looking at a 2002 228 Seafarer, repowered with a 250 Mercury Verado and it also have an Armstrong outboard bracket. Should i be concern? Do Grady whites ever leave the factory with an aftermarket outboard bracket? Thank you.

 

[Mrwhistle52]

Ask the owner. The armstrong isn't the original bracket, but it may be a net positive. I'd be equally concerned about the Verado, several of them I've seen are junk.

 

[blindmullet]

Hello All,

Looking at a 2002 228 Seafarer, repowered with a 250 Mercury Verado and it also have an Armstrong outboard bracket. Should i be concern? Do Grady whites ever leave the factory with an aftermarket outboard bracket? Thank you.

Yes, many Grady's came with a bracket. I have something like that on mine. It wasn't recommended to add a heavy 4-stroke to the pod style bracket when I called Grady. This was for the older models that came with 2-strokes. I was told the weight and force should be spread out over a larger area on the transom. It was a big improvement ditching the pod and fiberglass swim platform for an integrated design.

 

[doug228]

Yes, many Grady's came with a bracket. I have something like that on mine. It wasn't recommended to add a heavy 4-stroke to the pod style bracket when I called Grady. This was for the older models that came with 2-strokes. I was told the weight and force should be spread out over a larger area on the transom. It was a big improvement ditching the pod and fiberglass swim platform for an integrated design.

Any other pictures of the pod set up?

 

[blindmullet]

Here is the factory upgraded setup for a '93 Explorer.

 

[Bspdrs]

Thanks all for your input. Owner state it was an upgrade from the OEM bracket...wider, stronger and adds floatation.

2002 Grady White Seafarer 228 - boats - by owner - marine sale

2002 Grady White Seafarer 228. 2016 250 hp Merc Verado with 361 hours. 2019 9.9 hp Merc with aprox. 50 hours with remote electric steering. Armstrong extended outboard bracket and swim platform with...

seattle.craigslist.org

 

[wrxhoon]

That looks similar to the brackets used on post 2012 228's. Looking at the picture looks a little narrower.
The later models have this type of bracket ( I don't know manufacturer) , they are all aluminum and the swim platform is welded to it , that should give it some extra strength. They are longer as well so more flotation but the Verado's are much heavier and with the kicker there extra heavy.
I wonder why the old bracket was replaced, if the boat was in the water most of her life I would be checking the transom with a moisture meter and for evidence of previous repair.

 

[SmokyMtnGrady]

Yes, many Grady's came with a bracket. I have something like that on mine. It wasn't recommended to add a heavy 4-stroke to the pod style bracket when I called Grady. This was for the older models that came with 2-strokes. I was told the weight and force should be spread out over a larger area on the transom. It was a big improvement ditching the pod and fiberglass swim platform for an integrated design.

Um, I love the bracket and full width swim platform and fully enclosed stern/transom. everyone has an opinion I suppose of what an improvement is on the boat. lol.

To the OP you can pull the live well and see the other side of the transom and feel around there if you are concerned about the condition of it all.

 

[blindmullet]

Um, I love the bracket and full width swim platform and fully enclosed stern/transom. everyone has an opinion I suppose of what an improvement is on the boat. lol.

Agreed. I lost about 10"-12" dumping the fiberglass platform. The added support was needed for the 4-stroke plus the ladder and being able to remove the platform supports on the sides was nice.