Drilling for the shaft

[bobby89]

What is the best way to drill the hole for the brass tubing for the flex shaft? I am getting a 32" fightercat river cat hull.
Thanks!

[egneg]

Determine the angle for the tubing as you will be making a slot (do it with a piece of card stock and then transfer to the hull). Drill the first and last holes then the spaces in between. Finally clean up the slot with a small file.

[bobby89]

Thank you! As soon as all the parts arive i will try this

[JIM MARCUM]

To "determine the angle" of the stuffing tube slot, I mount the motor, then put a 3-4" rod or piece of flex shaft in the collet. The hull end of the shaft will point to the right spot to drill the first hole. From the bottom of the hull pencil in two horizontal lines on each side of the hole, aft (towards the transom) from the hole the same diameter as the stuffing tube. Then use a rat-tail file about the size of the hole (or file of your choice) to make to make a 3/4"-1" long slot towards the stern. File the forward end of the slot just enough to match the angle of the motor shaft. To smoothe out the horizontal sides of the slot, use a flat bastard file. EZ to file off too much, so go slowly.

To align the stuffing tube with the prop strut/motor shaft, mount the strut, adjust it so the bottom of the strut is even with the bottom of the hull & horizontal (Placing the hull on a table or other flat board makes strut shaft alignment EZ). Then firmly tighten all strut screws in perparation for mounting the stuffing tube. Installing & aligning the stuffing tube take trial & error & time.
1. insert the stuffing tube from the hull bottom to 1/2" from the collet, then into the strut.
2. The tube should be level horizontaly with the strut. If not, remove, and in VERY small steps, adjust the bend of the stuffing tube slightly, reinstall & check alignment.

Repeat step 2. as necessary until it's properly aligned.

Once the stuffing tube is aligned, seal the edges of the slot, inside & bottom, of the hull with a good epoxy to keep it from rotating under torque.

If you want more info on aligning the stuffing tube with the strut & motor, let me know. JIM

[bobby89]

thank u!! that method sounds great!

[c_michael_72]

Jim,

First, great response and instrution. I do however have questions as I will soon (hopefully) be building my first boat, a DF 36 Cat.

1) Is just cutting a hole and expoxying the gap typical for this? I supose it's the design engineer in me, but I feel there should be a more "finished" way to seal this guy up.

2) I like my toys to be pristine, as maintenance free as possible, and as easy to repair as possible, and I'm not a great caulker/epoxy guy (I'm horrible). If I'm forced to go this route, what epoxy do you reccomend, and is it paintable?

3) Are there any off the shelf thru hole systems for cats avaiable that you know of? This is the closest thing I could find, but don't know if it will even work as I've yet to hear from Steven when white hulls will be in stock. http://shop.redlinemotors.us/Stuffin...l-RLPM-STB.htm

4) I'm in love with needle bearings for prop shafts...they just make sense. Do you know of any Cat prop struts/strut rudder systems that utilize needle bearings?

There's always the option to design and fab this stuff, but I'd rather spend my time on the water.

Thanks in advance for any help you may have!

Chris

[JIM MARCUM]

Jim,

First, great response and instrution. I do however have questions as I will soon (hopefully) be building my first boat, a DF 36 Cat.

1) Is just cutting a hole and expoxying the gap typical for this? I supose it's the design engineer in me, but I feel there should be a more "finished" way to seal this guy up.

2) I like my toys to be pristine, as maintenance free as possible, and as easy to repair as possible, and I'm not a great caulker/epoxy guy (I'm horrible). If I'm forced to go this route, what epoxy do you reccomend, and is it paintable?

3) Are there any off the shelf thru hole systems for cats avaiable that you know of? This is the closest thing I could find, but don't know if it will even work as I've yet to hear from Steven when white hulls will be in stock. http://shop.redlinemotors.us/Stuffin...l-RLPM-STB.htm

4) I'm in love with needle bearings for prop shafts...they just make sense. Do you know of any Cat prop struts/strut rudder systems that utilize needle bearings?

There's always the option to design and fab this stuff, but I'd rather spend my time on the water.

Thanks in advance for any help you may have!

Chris

ANSWERS - IMO

1. It's one way, don't know if it's "typical" I've seen guys put an oval shaped piece of 1/8" fiberglass sheet over/around the stuffing tube on the inside. Some use silicone sealant, but in larger boats, that
allows too much Stuffing tube flex for me.

2. I use West Systems 105 epoxy resin, and 206 hardener. It's paintable with normal surface prep - light sanding followed by an acetone/alchol pre-paint wipedown.

3. I don't know of any. Maybe someone else here on OSE knows??

4. I'm also looking for for a drive strut with 1/4" ID needle or ball bearings. No luck so far. If you find one please let those of us following this thread where we can get one.

Hope this helps a little. JIM

[c_michael_72]

Certainly that helps. Thanks Jim!

Cheers.

Chris