SlipperyOar
Petty Officer 3rd Class
- Joined
- Apr 12, 2024
- Messages
- 84
Currently in the process of restoring/building an aluminum boat and have been converting it from an I/O, closed bow to an outboard, open bow for fishing. I've got my open bow bracing and structural stuff figured out. But im trying to get a sense of what i need to do for the transom knee brace. Boat is 18' and planning to throw a 75-90 HP motor on the back, would rather have it beefed up for a much heavier and more powerful motor and have the peace of mind knowing a 90HP is securely mounted without causing any future issues.
Does anyone have any experience on fabricating one themselves? I've taken measurements on what dimensions will be needed with the appropriate angles to rivet to the floor and be bolted through my transom.
- If i were to get an aluminum plate and cut it to the required size, what thickness of aluminum would be best for strength and still be adequate after being bent to shape?
- Is bending the best option knowing welding adds stress to the metal without a post weld heat treat?
- From what i see in other aluminum boats they all seem to have a longer edge running up the transom than the edge along the hull. Would my bottom edge being 8" up to the first rib provide adequate strength?
Link to my current build: https://forums.iboats.com/threads/1981-springbok-18-restoration-renovation.772380/
Does anyone have any experience on fabricating one themselves? I've taken measurements on what dimensions will be needed with the appropriate angles to rivet to the floor and be bolted through my transom.
- If i were to get an aluminum plate and cut it to the required size, what thickness of aluminum would be best for strength and still be adequate after being bent to shape?
- Is bending the best option knowing welding adds stress to the metal without a post weld heat treat?
- From what i see in other aluminum boats they all seem to have a longer edge running up the transom than the edge along the hull. Would my bottom edge being 8" up to the first rib provide adequate strength?
Link to my current build: https://forums.iboats.com/threads/1981-springbok-18-restoration-renovation.772380/