My attempt at building the Mean Machine

[tlandauer]

Ok, I got hooked on this cat because of a thread regarding the MM. I am most impressed with what Dana did with his build, my attempts here are what I really liked about his build starting from the hatch.
My V1 hatch had to be sanded a bit for it to fit:DSCN2725_2173.jpg. I also reinforced the sides with FG tape:DSCN2727_2175.jpg
I am using Carbon fiber rod from my heli as studs from the hatch going into the hull:DSCN2728_2176.jpg, will JB Weld the studs.
As for the receptical: I got 5/32 K&S brass tube, cut two 30mm tube and crimped the ends and sealed with solder, CA'ed in the hull for position and will Epoxy from inside to make it strong and water prove.DSCN2733_2181.jpg,DSCN2737_2185.jpg.

[tlandauer]

Here is how it looks from the lip of the hull.DSCN2738_2186.jpg
BTW, I want to thank everyone who has been so kind to give me advice on the other thread. I am always grateful for any advice and criticism. Thanks to CPGISE for posting his set up.

[dana]

Hey man good to see you got a thread going, I'll be watching your progress.
Btw the center of my strut to the center of my rudder is 57 mm -)

[tlandauer]

Thanks Dana, I appreciate your help and encouragement! It will be slow though, too much work, but I guess work is good for a musicaian, lol...

[tlandauer]

Very slow progress, I only had time to do some planning, drilled some holes for the stut and rudder, it was a bit tricky since the top halve seam line at the transom is not even and one can't get a good squared measure. I used two bubble level to make sure the mounting is squared.DSCN2740_2230.jpg.
I was debating a hatch lock system, I wanted to be able to lock the hatch from the back. Finally settled on the AQ lock, a bit flimsy but seem to be easier than the knob type to deal with. Used some ply wood to jack up the recepticle so the holes on the hatch can be in the center of the lip.DSCN2742_2232.jpgDSCN2743_2233.jpgDSCN2748_2237.jpg

[tlandauer]

Now I have some questions, what is the best angle for the motor? I know some fixed mounts are bent at 15*, I tried that but the motor shaft points to the floor too near the collet, was afraid there would not be enough room for the stuffing tube to come up the floor for a secure mount, changed to 12.5* and it allowed a bit more room, still, any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Also, where is the best point to drill on the floor?, I saw picutures that the stuffing tube exits the floor at the last step ride pads. Am I in the ball park? DSCN2776_2241.jpgDSCN2773_2238.jpg

[tlandauer]

Well, here is what I have done so far:DSCN2781_2246.jpgDSCN2782_2247.jpg.
I tried to cut the hole straight and elongate it or slant it to avoid open space, did both on a ply-wood to see which is better for me personally. My only concern for the slanted hole is that when the tube goes thru the slant "shaft", there is not alot of chance for any epoxy to grab the tube, whatever is on the floor would have to be extra strong, thinking of soldering some metal tabs to collar the tube as well as for the epoxy to grab the tube. DSCN2784_2248.jpg
In order to minimize guess work, I use this protractor and drew various angles for the tube to have an idea of the profile. DSCN2785_2249.jpgDSCN2788_2252.jpg

[justski]

Hi tlandauer i just wanted to tell you what i used for what you call the receptical to hold your hood down in front it i used Brass Compression Fittings - Insert they come in all sizes and worked great insert.jpg2.JPG.....

[tlandauer]

I didn't know this existed, as you can see what I did , I just used brass tube and cut them and sealed one end. I originally wanted to use .22 Long Rifle rim fire bullet casings and thought that might be a good conversational topic, but, did not have time to go to a legal place to fire some bullets!

[justski]

22 casings would of worked too.where i live i would of just reached out my window and fired a few off..lol..but ya you can get what i was talking about the brass inserts at any hardware store and most auto stores there cheep

[tlandauer]

Thanks! I will look into that for my next build! Yeah, if I did what you could do, I won't be able to finish this boat, will be a while before I can do anything .

[justski]

i dont know if you put them in yet but i used JB Weld Waterweld White Epoxy Putty putty.jpg worked great strong and you can move them around to make sure they fit good studs befor they setup ....i put my studs and receptical in with it and all 4 at the same time and just let them set up

[tlandauer]

Yes, I did put them in using West System epoxy mixed with milled Fiber Glass filler to beef it up. I will post some pictures tomorrow. I shall remember this product, I came across it but it is always far better to hear it from a first hand experience. Thanks, man.

[dana]

looks good so far, just remember, you want that strut nuetral and up as high as it will go. there should be 3/16 - 1/4 gap between the bottom of the strut and the table when you have the boat sitting on it.
so you want to bend your stuffing tube according to that height

[dana]

oh and make sure you sand the heck out of the carbon floor before trying to glue anything. dont ask how i know lol