I just uploaded 2 new pictures to the JEZEBEL photo album that shows some recent progress and a lot of work.
Now the problem, I am having a lot of trouble aligning the shaft and struts. The 2 struts were made with about a 3/16" clearance to the hull to be able to align them and then will be beded with an epoxy filler. Does any one know a good way to get every thing aligned perfectly? The primary strut is just forward of the props and the intermediate strut is about in the middle between the engine and the props. The total shaft length is about 9'. Please advise.
Don
CB, Did you get your shaft alignment problem solved? Kruez
ReplyDeleteNOPE, I've been waiting for some one to tell me how to do it. If you know a way to do it I'd sure appreciate the info. CB
ReplyDeleteCB, how large is the shaft? I am assuming that the thru-hull hole has been drilled to accept the prop shaft. Could you use one of those camping tent poles which come apart in sections. You could put it together piece-by-piece and mount the struts as you go. Mark your screw (bolt) holes, then dissmantle the pole. Put the struts on the shaft and mount them in the previously marked holes... I don't know, I am just trying to visualize... Good luck, Andy
ReplyDeleteAndy, The shaft is 1.75 dia. and 10' long. The holes for the main and intermediate struts have been drilled. I made the struts a 1/4" short so that I could line every thing up and then fill the gap under the strut feet. The problem is the shaft tends to deflect. At one point I thought I had every thing alinged and was ready to fill between the feet and the hull. When I pulled the shaft aft to seperate the coupling from the thrust bearing for removal, the darn shaft droped about a 1/2" at the engine end. I could raise the forward end of the shaft and get it back into the bearing but I'm sure it was in a bind. I hope this puts a little more light on the problem. CB
ReplyDeleteCB, I don't want to sound critical but to me it sounds like an error somewhere, maybe something as simple as missmeasuring. I would try to reposition the "engine" strut to raise the shaft a little. I think this would happen if you move the strut towards the stern a little... I have to say that I have been following your building process for quite a while now and you are doing a fantastic job... Don't kick yourself for an error, just keep plugging along Andy
ReplyDelete