Evening guy's & Gals
Todays update on the build so far explores the prop shafts, prop supports, props, rudders and the rear plane extension for the ladder sit.
Lets start with the extension.
Made out of 3mm marine ply sections are 1.2" x 3" there are 2 of these glued on at the same angle to the boats hull . now before fitting ...
I took the back edge and marked the transoms curve and transfered it to the extension , then on the outer edge i used my glasses to make the outer indentation which would be the ladder climb section.
after making one i made the other and a simple job of gluing then to the hull and to the reinforcer strip which now is perfectly shaped.
Some history as to what i have found is that this extension is only on the sea faring race versions as a simple ladder support for diving etc to allow easier access back onto the boat, there are other version that have a similar extension to the rear that do not meet in the center, these other variations are water brakes which fold down to create drag to help the turn, a friend of mine told me these version are found particular on the river or canal versions like the full huntsman 31 to aid in tight turns at low speed helping the boat turn on the spot. if anyone has any other information or a correction to this i would be pleased to hear about it.
Next up was the prop's themselves
For this huntsman I am using two 8" props.. 2 reasons ..
First they will help increase torque.
2nd.... there what i had in my spares box and wasn't prepared to spend a further £8 each on up to 12" adding extra cost to the build.
To get a decent fit i created some prop supports on the underside using 2 1/2", 1/2"x1/2"x2mm ply squares using a knife i cut them to a 35 degree angle on both sides and then carfully formed them to sit 90 degrees(vertical) on the hull and then using a med sized round file cut a grove into the top to sit the props into.
These allow the prop to sit currently at a 30 degree angle.. i assumed at one point it would be around 18-22 however after sitting a 50mm prop on it needed to be much higher to allow the take of the larger props . these prop supports i was intending to make using 1mm sheet brass however for structural reasons i decided to form the basic support from ply glue and screw into the hull. these will later be strengthen via GRp tissues however i will make brass ''shells'' to encase these later for visual effects after the hull is grp and finished.
Fitting the props came up next.
Pretty simple job since i had already pre drilled the holes slot them in and make up where they hit the internal bulkhead and drill a new hole there to allow them to slip through to where the motor compartment would be.
To check alignment i popped the rudders in and watched for the end of the prop shaft to Touch the center of the rudder I'm pleased to say .. after boring out a further 2mm of the original prop shaft holes and adjusting the supports groove that they now line up perfectly.
The prop shafts will not be ex poxed in place until final preparation for paint to the boat so not to damage or bend the props while work in progress, for photo purposes .. props are taped in place.
Flipping the boat over i created something not that important but some 'cases' around the prop entry points thus allowing me a solid area for the epoxy to take keeping it clean and also allowing a decent size area to drop the lead ballast in place equally if required. there is also a secondary reason for these boxes , there top surface will help support the lower deck of the superstructure but that will be revealed later.
This concludes tonight's work on the projects but over the next few days i Will add the remaining water chines and start prep work on the internal battery boxes radio tray etc and some more of the superstructure seeing how i am still awaiting delivery of the grp and matting ... gotta feeling everyons on holiday this month uff
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Topic: Huntsman 31 to 28 Build & Conversion (Read 17545 times)