bracket question

[dave law]

Well I am 90 % done with my overhaul on my 86 23. I put a 30" bracket and a 300 e tec on the boat along with a new deck and enclosed transom. The first test run the boat ran 46 mph and was bow heavy the sam way it was with a 250 merc on the back. I filled the bracket with water to see if weight would help and the boat ran superp. 53 mph with 55 gal. of fuel and 3 adults and gear. My question is have any of you run into this. The boat handles better in a sea and in the river with the added weight. I was shocked>