Crabbin Fever, Let me start by saying welcome aboard and nice fish.

As for kicker brackets, let me start by saying I have used and abused 3-4 different brands of brackets and when I say abused, I mean 100 days in a row on the ocean, in seas upto 6 or 8 feet and often times, backing down into waves and swell, not the typical type use most guys are going to put a bracket through but it definitely showed me who makes a quality product, that being said, I wouldn't buy anything but an OMC, especially if I plan on keeping the boat for a few years.

FishNg1, hey I just got done reading another book (Working on the edge) that mentioned your brother, this is the second book I've read that mentions him. Your family should be very proud of him he is a true American hero that will probably never get the credit he's due. I would love to buy him a drink or 3 and listen to some of his stories. You happen to know other books he's been mentioned in, I would like to check them out, thanks.