Ok, then go for it. I used an old rolling pin for a drum and a large v-belt pulley for the wheel. The rest is at the local hardware store or salvage...
Just a guess but they probably felt that the bottom needed the ribs but topsides were adequate. Save lumber and lofting time, in any case, it works...:)
Don't dis yourself, I think a previous owner changed the cable and ran it in to tight and cracked the darn thing. Look at a manual and confirm that thought...
I assume you have a fresh water holding tank so you must have a fill cap for it, the water heater is also connected to the fresh water tank hopefully..
