Steve at Ayling's Boat Yard has been busy in the machine shop refining the steering components
Steve at Ayling's Boat Yard has been busy in the machine shop refining the steering components. The slave tiller arm bushing housing was welded, the pivot pin was upgraded to 3/4" diameter stock and re-bushed to tighter tolerances. Nice work, Steve ! Click here to see more detailed photos. ( a new window will be opened)
Work on the boat will continue over the holidays, but we'll also make some time to enjoy the snowmobile trails. Can't be working in the shop all the time ! I'd like to wish all our visitors a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year !
Under-deck flotation billets were cast and installed
Under-deck flotation billets were cast and installed. Click here to see more detailed photos. ( a new window will be opened)
For a sleek contemporary look, we've chosen a stainless steel pop-up bow light. When not in use, it's flush with the deck...
... and pops up when needed.
The bow light is housed in a plastic receptacle which can be equipped with a hose barb and drain hose. This unit was purchased from Marine Toys in Delta, British Columbia. See our Links Page for supplier information. ( a new window will be opened)
Time flies when you're having fun !
Time flies when you're having fun ! It's time to get back to the boat and get her finished up... First order of the day was to prime the Menkens 2-blade propeller we picked up before Christmas. It's an 11-1/2" diameter by 15" pitch forged steel unit which should allow the engine to spin into the stratosphere... The part was etched and cleaned with DuPont Metal conditionner. This was followed by two rounds of DuPont 2580CR DTM Urethane Primer.
Here's a photo of the fuel tank platform we molded several months ago.
A piece of 1/4" marine-grade plywood was sandwiched between multiple layers of 6-1/2 ounce fiberglass cloth and 2 ounce mat. The radiused edges were built up from several cloth laminations.
The cradles are bolted to frames # 3 and # 4. A 3/8" gap was left between the cradle and bottom battens.
Spacers will be fabricated to space out the cradle from the frame. This will ensure adequate drainage and ventilation between the two parts.
The rear jump seat's front panel is being fitted. The intent is to bolt the jump seat supports so they can be easily removed in the future.
Here's a good friend of mine, Colin, rebuilding the v-drive
Here's a good friend of mine, Colin, rebuilding the v-drive. It's nice to have a Class A mechanic in the shop ! He's rebuilt the engine and is our ace fabricator / welder. He enjoys working on the mechanical components of the boat but is quite emphatic about staying on firm ground on launch day...
Before you know it, the v-drive is fully assembled. The v-drive plate was painted before final assembly. The plate was pretty rough, so we blocked it out with several coats of epoxy primer. This was followed up with Dupont 280CR DTM primer, Dupont Uro-Prime urethane primer-surfacer and topcoated with Dupont Imron urethane enamel.
It's important to note that the gasket mating surfaces should not be painted as the paint film buildup will change the v-drive's internal tolerances. Related Links : Casale Direct Drive Dimensional Drawing Casale In-Out Dimensional Drawing
Here's the last of the mechanical components being painted
Here's the last of the mechanical components being painted. H-joint assembly, v-drive shifter, transmission mounts, v-drive flange takeoff, torque tube guards and transmission takeoff adapter.
The transmission mounts were installed with grade 8 bolts.
The old soft rubber bushings were removed...
... and replaced with custom Delrin bushings. These are more of Steve Flewitt's handiwork !
The solid mounts will prevent the engine and transmission from flexing under heavy torque loads.
The custom torque tube guard adapter is being installed.
