re-mount bracket for 30" motor?

[dbiscayne]

I've got a 1990 Grady Offshore 242g factory bracket boat, these were setup for a 25" lower unit. I'm about to replace the bracket that I had built for the 25" motor I've got but just ran across a deal I might not be able to pass up on a 30" motor.
The bracket for the 25" motor is supposed to be mounted 24" above the keel, the 30" motor would be...29" above the keel per the bracket manufacturer.
Has anybody raised their bracket to mount a taller engine? Just wondering if the transom reinforcement in the bilge is going to interfere?

 

[Don Davis]

You may be better to fabricate a plate to bolt to the bracket than to raise the entire pod/bracket like I did to for the 30 inch outboard that I bought. I put a 30 inch Suzuki on my 228 Seafarer and had to create a plate as the pod horns were broken for the upper bolts from the previous owner hitting a log.

 

[DennisG01]

I would do something similar to Don, as well. Whether you buy a jack plate, a pre-made extension or just make your own, it would be much easier. Go take a look at TH Marine's website for some ideas.

 

[dbiscayne]

agree w both the replies above, but I've got the unique situation of having a new bracket that hasn't been mounted yet and the bolt holes for the new transom definitely don't line up with the old bracket holes. Was thinking of mounting it higher, I'll need to measure the height where the reinforcement goes across the inside of the transom to make sure it doesn't interfere w the new bracket mounted higher.

 

[DennisG01]

I think all you can do is get in there an measure. There's really too many variables for us to say if it will/won't work. Even if someone has moved their bracket up, it's a long shot that they have the exact same bracket (different brackets could very well require different clearances) and boat.