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  1. tpenfield

    2002 Four Winns 348 Vista

    Are you able to get aboard one of these boats (presumably for sale)? That may answer a few of your questions. Have you checked the Four Winns owner's forum (ifourwinns.com) ? That will be your most concentrated source of direct experiences. Ride quality and rough water handling are very...
  2. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    Quick Update . . . I moved the Extension Pod into the garage. This is the same space where I built the swim platform (about 6 years ago). . . Each day I only get a piece or 2 done . . . not a problem though as I can think through the next steps and hopefully avoid a disaster. :LOL: I got 2...
  3. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    Essentially, the location of the 'stringers' within the extension pod line up with the stringers in the boat. . . Based on my force numbers, I am going to add some structure/stringers in line with the engine spacing and also add corresponding stringers in the boat.
  4. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    I took my prop force model one step further and came up with some 'typical & maximum' numbers for the force exerted on the transom. Since HP curves for engines are not prevalent these days, I came up with a typical power curve for a 350 HP engine (YMMV). . . This gave me a number of 4,700...
  5. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    Pretty much, the key thing is to stay within the center 1/3 of the beam's height. The smaller the 'web hole' the better.
  6. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    Keep in mind that with an I/O engine the outdrive and transom plate are not rigidly connected to the engine. Perhaps the slightest upward movement at the rear mounts could be measured as the transom flexes, but the entire engine is not actually acting as a lever arm
  7. 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.
  8. 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...
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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...
  13. 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.
  14. 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...
  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. 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...
  18. 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. .
  19. 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...
  20. 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.
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