October 16, 2003
Work has begun again for the winter since the racing season is over. The plan is to have the boat decked by the end of the year, and then work on systems, the engine, etc. next year.
As shown in the pictures, we are laminating up the forward deck frame. Unfortunately, this frame was not salvageable and a new one had to be created. Once this is complete, we will cut, fit, and seal the deck battens in preparation for placement on the boat.
The other project for the week was mounting and aligning the struts. The structure (aluminum channel and angle) for the strut is in place. This is significantly more than the boat originally had. It will help make the boat much more rigid and structurally sound as well as helping contain a propeller failure.
The struts currently have alignment bearings (.005" clearence) installed to make sure the angle and alignment are correct. Once they are glued in place, the bearings will be replaced with the running bearings. These are made of water lubricated micarta and have .010" clearance.
The final project for the week was the box for the fuel cell. Instead of the conventional tanks (which leaked, were heavy, and generally troublesome), the boat will have one fuel cell on the left side on the C.G. The box is made of aluminum frame which will incorporate honeycomb sides, which will be glassed over. This should be done in a few weeks.
Read MoreAs shown in the pictures, we are laminating up the forward deck frame. Unfortunately, this frame was not salvageable and a new one had to be created. Once this is complete, we will cut, fit, and seal the deck battens in preparation for placement on the boat.
The other project for the week was mounting and aligning the struts. The structure (aluminum channel and angle) for the strut is in place. This is significantly more than the boat originally had. It will help make the boat much more rigid and structurally sound as well as helping contain a propeller failure.
The struts currently have alignment bearings (.005" clearence) installed to make sure the angle and alignment are correct. Once they are glued in place, the bearings will be replaced with the running bearings. These are made of water lubricated micarta and have .010" clearance.
The final project for the week was the box for the fuel cell. Instead of the conventional tanks (which leaked, were heavy, and generally troublesome), the boat will have one fuel cell on the left side on the C.G. The box is made of aluminum frame which will incorporate honeycomb sides, which will be glassed over. This should be done in a few weeks.
