Re: Need to make a drive shaft for a long tail outboard motor
Check the post just below yours."Beating out the cup"He has successfully done exactly what you want to do.
That's me! : - )
The shaft I have now is carbon steel metal tube (it rusts, that's all I know about it) for the bulk of the length. Then on the ends the machinist took stainless steel round stock and made the stubs that connect to the motor and accept the propeller. But the shaft didn't arrive straight, I think it got bent in transit. I tried just bending it straight but I couldn't get it right, so I took a hack saw and cut small slots on the side it needed to bend towards, so the slot I cut would close up as the shaft was straightened, and then I welded it. It actually looks pretty good though I'm sure a drive shaft expert would pull his hair out thinking about my fix. But remember, I'm deep in the jungle in a Yanomami Indian village. This is as close to Gilligan's Island as it gets. I'm glad I have a welder and hack saw to use. Those are rarities in these parts.
I'm thinking the drive shaft has to be hollow. I'm thinking stainless steel would give me better strength and rigidity.
The shaft is only supported on the two ends. It's about 7' long.
You can see the motor here
http://gregihnen.me/my-homemade-diesel-long-tail-motor-coming-to-completion
Thanks!
Greg
