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  1. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    I've been looking at some twin engine brackets to see about the internal structure and hopefully get some ideas.
  2. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    No, a circle is the roundest shape :ROFLMAO: That was pretty much day 1 in Engineering school . . . "A triangle's resistance to deformation is fundamental to its structural stability, making it a common shape in trusses and frameworks. Engineers use this property to create strong, lightweight...
  3. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    I got to start thinking more about the internal structure. . . stringers, gussets, bracing . . . that sort of thing. Box structures are weak . . . a triangle is the strongest shape.
  4. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    More progress . . . I got the exterior panels cut an installed. Lots of measuring and odd angles . . . my head started to hurt. :LOL: . . . I'm letting the 'solar curing' do its thing.
  5. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    In other news . . . I'm going to be on a 'fixed income' starting this month and the Admiral retires in 4 weeks.
  6. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    The big differences (that I can see) comparing center consoles (outboard boats) to sterndrive boats . . . Center consoles tend to have the main stringers higher up (taller) and meet the transom closer to the top of it. Sterndrive stringers meet the transom much lower in order to accommodate...
  7. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    I don't know for sure, but it may be worth a look at the guts of some outboard boats. My understanding is that transom thickness is 2.00-2.50" . . . so similar to sterndrive transoms.
  8. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    Morning talk . . . While I wait for it to warm up outside. Some folks (here and elsewhere) have expressed concern about sterndrive transoms not being as strong as outboard transoms. Probably true, but I like to work with facts & figures as to how much stronger. So, I did some web searching...
  9. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    This has been covered along the way . . . the transom gets additional support bracketing, much like the factory does on their outboard versions.
  10. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    Not extending the strakes (if that what you are asking) The extension will have a somewhat mild chine (as shown). I might give a little bit of 'lift', but not sure.
  11. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    It's a good thing that I was paying attention in Geometry class (way back when) 🤓. Figuring out the shape & dimensions of the outer supports has been a bit challenging, but I think I got it now.:unsure: . I'll have to make an adjusting cut in the center support to match the outer supports. (I...
  12. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    I moved things to a more sunny location in the yard . . . I think the sun will be enough to cure the resin. I installed the main (center) support. This piece I am glassing in - just so it stays put during assembly of all the other pieces. .
  13. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    I got out there early this AM to check the glass/resin. It cured OK. Here is a pic of the 4 pieces of the contact area set in place and glassed at the edges/corners. . I used some cardboard on the transom as a 'spacer' to mimic the fiberglass thickness, then stuck the Coosa pieces to the...
  14. tpenfield

    Have a live mouse inside a interior wall. No insulation.

    This is what I use . . . . Along with some lock-able bait traps. You should find out where the probable points of entry are and place the traps near the line of travel.
  15. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    My preference is to start cold and add heat once the glass is laid up. I’m thinking if the resin were to start warm, it would tend to kick too fast and cooling it down would be too late. I’m using VE resin, so it’s open time is a bit longer than poly resin.
  16. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    In other news . . . I have the 4 'transom mating' pieces secured to the transom with a about a 3/32" 'spacer' all around to mimic the fiberglass thickness. (Pics to follow in the AM.) Temperatures barely hit 60˚F today . . . more like 57˚F. I am having to tent the work area after the glass...
  17. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    Yup, it was one of those things . . . asked myself should I cut out one more piece and call it a day . . . Doh 😖
  18. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    Some how, I managed to cut one of the pieces wrong. So, I got to practice glassing the Coosa board. . . All set . . . don't do it again 🤪
  19. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    Progress Update . . . Lots of measuring and cutting today. I'm into 3 of the Coosa panels . . . Here is what I've cut out so far (highlighted in orange). . . The big top piece (upper right in the picture) took a while to get just right. The other pieces were not too bad . . . lots of...
  20. tpenfield

    Alpha 1 Gen 2 - leak & transom service questions

    I'd be finding the leak first as it may impact the rest of your planned work. I would think you could run the engine on the 'muffs' to determine if the engine is leaking. Keep in mind that when the boat is in the water, the exhaust bellows is full of water as is the lower portion of the...
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