I'm finally set with whats going to power my 24'er, I'm going to use one of my Merc 3.4s. I've got one that says, on the motor ID that its 300 hp so I'm sure it should go rather well. keeping under 6K rpms, they say they blow if you go much higher on the rpms. I will use a heavy duty swim platform-bracket, I just don't know how much or a set back to use, my guess would be 18-24 inches but I would rather know what others use. Of course the Banana is a older heavier one and the motor weights a bit more, 540# I think. I will not use a lift and I have the choice of using a 20 or a 25" mid. So as you see I'm a bit lost here, any suggestions?

Thanks!

Bracket setbacks are usually delegated by how much clearance you need to tilt it all the way up. there is no real formula for setback (at least i didnt find one). you can also run the prop shaft a lot higher due to the hull planing angle and clean water. I have a 30" bracket on my boat, and the prop shaft is 1" below bottom and still bites.

Is it a full transom or cut for outboards? Either way I have a "Porta Bracket" made for it with a full width top hinge plate and normal bottom hinge plate.

I have run one with a 12" box and then finally 17" "Porta Bracket".

Call Charlie, he can get you going..

I have an 82..Gonna put the Rude V8 and going with a 8-10 inch hydraulic plate..25 inch mid..

You'll want the 25" mid not the 20 - too short. Then what do you want the boat for? If you want to go the fastest, then go with Mrv8outboard's advice above - that will give u the best handling and speed.
If you want to use the boat with the family etc, then go with a 30" bracket with swim platform. I had an older 1988 with a 30" armstrong - ran well. Also the 2 new outboard boats both have / had (I think Steve changed to the porta) 30" stainless marine brackets - also u will want 13 degrees transom angle bracket.

I ran MrV8outboards 17" (porta-products) bracket that he raced with.

On my 1988 banana, I attached a 20" mid V8 4.0 Johnson and a 24 pitch chopper.

20" mid was definitely faster, but the distance to kill yourself is shorter.

With the 20" you have the ability to trim the engine vertically right out of the water. I did it once wide open. Very exciting.

Luckily MrV8 had given me training for just that scenario.

The porta bracket I ordered is a 24" set back.. I thought the 30" swim platform was too far back and I base that on the videos we took of the boat running at WOT... I am going to try the Porta bracket and will let you know. Air Dog told me last year the optimum set back on his racing boat was 17". so we go from there.

Charlie Jr... willl you be around last week in April.... may bring the Banana to FL... wife and daughter are going to Disney , I can't stand parks. Please let me know. Would love to get some photos of your boat and mine on the water.

Yes I will be in town. Sounds great!

I will let you know, they will be going all week , I may drive down mid week and hang out unit the weekend.