Re: Man vs. Boat (season 1).
Friends,
This is the point in our program (the first of many) where I need a little help troubleshooting an issue.
I am working on my transom build for the new merc set up. In preparation for cutting the ply, I cobbled some cardboard together to outline the general shape of the transom. Then, I applied that general shape to a some blue foam - further refining the form. When I went to test fit the foam piece, it was a bit more rigid than the cardboard. I could not squeeze it in under the cap, due to the various pinch points.. See picture below.
So, i need a little help engineering this. I REALLY, REALLY don't want to pull the cap, because this is really the only time in the build I would need to. I also though about just cutting a hole in the top of the cap and pouring some seacast down it, but that plan creates two problems: (a) Seacast is not in the budget; and (b) I would still have to get the firm "inner skin" for the sea cast mold past the same pinch points that are blocking the ply.
So, by process of elimination (standardized test style), I think I am just going to have to cut the boards and/or the fiberglass overhangs for some relief, so I can maneuver my transom pieces in there. Good idea? Bad idea? Another idea?
Hang with me, please, two related points I need help with.
(a) I won't have my key-hole pre-cut because I can't really measure the X-dimension until the new transom is installed. So, I won't have an opening to use for for clamps like frisco and others have done. So, since I already have ton of holes in my transom that I am going to have to fill and fair (including the giant OMC orifice), I am thinking about just using through bolts and then I will fill the holes with peanut butter or something after removing them????
(b) My existing transom is not perfectly flat - it's slightly barreled out (stern side). It's not grossly convex, but its enough to create a concern. There is some flex (right now) and you can actually flatten the transom by pushing in from the outside/stern side. It sort of waffles in and then waffles back out when you let go. So, I can either: (i) "force flatten" it by using a bunch of peanut putter and clamping the crap out of it (although I am worried that my create some flex/separation over time) or (ii) build it up/fair it out by adding some PB and/or CSM to the "middle portions" of the existing transom to create a nice, flat surface. I will video it tomorrow in comparison to a flat line or level so you can have a better picture of what I am talking about.
So, in summary your homework involves 3 questions:
1. Any creative ideas on getting my transom pieces in without lifting the cap other than what I have suggested.
2. Best way to achieve "major clampage" without a key hole for clamps and without taking the cap off? Through bolts the answer?
3. Best way to flatten out the transom to facilitate best adhesion and to achieve that nice, flat surface required for Merc set-up.
thanks guys, appreciate any help.
