I just replaced that original outboard bracket on my M23. I purchased a Trac stainless steel bracket that is a similar design to the Garelick.

Here's the link to it:    http://stores.trac-outdoor.net/-strse-3/TRAC-Retractable-Stainless-Steel/Detail.bok

I bought it rather than the Garelick because it was significantly less expensive and all stainless steel rather than aluminum (it does have a shorter travel though). I can't tell you how it performs because I haven't gotten the boat in the water yet. The springs, though, are very strong and it seems like it will work well. I can tell you that neither the Trac nor the Garelick will match the mounting holes of the stock bracket. I filled them with thickened epoxy and applied a little gel-coat on top to try to match the hull color. From far enough away it looks ok ;) I backed mine up on the inside with a 9" x 9" x 3/16" piece of stainless that came out of the scrap bin at a local machine shop.

I know the Garelick is a great mount based upon the testimony of others. I'll reserve judgment on the Trac until after I've used it a bit. It won't prove to be less expensive if I have to replace it right away but I sure don't anticipate that. It's a solid looking mount. 

Mark Dvorscak
M23 #74 Faith

-----Original Message-----
>From: Todd Bradley
>Sent: Apr 22, 2013 7:22 PM
>To: 'For and about Montgomery Sailboats'
>Subject: Re: M_Boats: M-23 motor mount
>
>Hi Sean,
>
>Yes that helps. Looks like a good and sturdy unit. The pricing I found
>online was between $340 to about $390 (Model # 71091).
>
>Does the Garelick unit line up with existing mount holes? If not, what do
>you recommend to fill? How thick of backing plate would you recommend? I'm
>guessing one could use either SS or aluminum since it will not be seen?
>
>
>Thanks!
>
>Todd
>
>
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com
>[mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of
>Nebwest2@aol.com
>Sent: Monday, April 22, 2013 2:50 PM
>To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com
>Subject: Re: M_Boats: M-23 motor mount
>
>Todd,
>
>Here is the mount I used....
>
>http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId
>=696038&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=50366&subdeptNum=50
>411&classNum=50412
>
>Here is the Garelick page
>
>http://www.garelick.com/Aluminum-Auxiliary-Motor-Bracket-For-4-Stroke-Motors
>
>it is made by Garelick but I see now that West Marine is selling it under
>their own name. You can find it on other sites as a "Garelick" mount. It
>has long travel (16") which is great for getting the motor clear.....and it
>is made for motors to 170lbs and sprung as such. I had to add a lsight
>downward push to get my motor in....and it nearly lifted itself when new.
>Mine finally had a spring rotate and take some of the tension off of
>it....lessening the lifting force....but Garelick stood behind it and fixed
>it for
>free. It's a great mount. I just used some pieces of stainless plate to
>make the backing plates.
>
>Hope that helps...
>
>Sean
>
>