Fixing Aux to the Deck

[Bigmuz7]

I have a Merc 6hp 4 stroke that can only lie on one side, tiller lever down would you believe , and I want to be able to sto it in the bow area strapped to the deck.

I have two U bolts in position to put a strap round the shaft just below the powerhead and hold it down to the deck, but I want to support the motor properly without putting too much weight on the side of the tiller, (partly caused by the retaining strap round the leg just under the power head). There is a bump stop further round the floorpan of the engine, for resting on a surface, but I think with all the thrashing its going to get that a proper support would be better, rather than just some matting.

Ideally some sort of resin moulding would be the answer so I can make a base that perfectly fits the powerhead and upper leg area, and so remove the point loading on the tiller handles side, and spread the power heads weight over its entire area, rather like a new telly.. or some electrical goods, which have moulded foam parts to fit the shape of the product being shipped

Any ideas peeps ?

[Poly]

Bigmuz - I think what you are possibly thinking of is called Foam in Place. The simplest systems line a box with 'polythene' sheeting spraying expanding foam inside box placing more plastic over this then insert the product. (they then repeat to cover the otherside). Here is a kind of diy approach to the same end.

Or were you thinking of a "solid" polysyrene style protection? I think you can get this done in low volume by CNC machining or wire cutting (depending on profile required). You can certianly do that with foam - but even closed cell foam (and I suspect both the above options are going to soak up water over time).

[Bigmuz7]

[QUOTE=Polwart;254699] Here is a kind of diy approach to the same end.

QUOTE]

Excellent.... thats exactly the sort of idea/thing I was thinking about thanks Neil .. now I know it exists, I'll need a firm style of foam though, will try and mail the company for some details to see if I can make up a mold of some sorts...

....So thinking on then .. do you think some simple expanding foam from B&Q would do the same job , if I captivated it somehow I thinks I have it

[ian parkes]

No expanding foam will absorb water and crumble and make a mess .

get a block of etha foam that they use for bouyancy and bulkheads in kayaks etc . Its very tough but easy to cut to shape using a saw or knife

[Poly]

Originally Posted by Bigmuz7

....So thinking on then .. do you think some simple expanding foam from B&Q would do the same job , if I captivated it somehow I thinks I have it

Bruce, as Ian says these aerosol foams aren't great from a water absorbency perspective. The outerskin is usually reasonably water resistant - but that is not RIB deck resistant and if it gets split (quite likely in your application) then it will immediately become a big sponge.

Marine bouyancy foams are, i believe, 2 part polyurethanes. Not sure if you can buy some sort of fancy small DIY system - chandlers more likely to have it than B&Q though!. They are closed cell. I still think that any foam type material will soak up some water if thoroughly soaked for long enough.

[two stroke mick]

I believe the biggest problem you have is stuffing the rib. If the rib is stuffed the deck will fill with water. Your aux outboard in liable to get flooded and thus rendered useless.
TSM

[Bigmuz7]

Originally Posted by two stroke mick

I believe the biggest problem you have is stuffing the rib. If the rib is stuffed the deck will fill with water. Your aux outboard in liable to get flooded and thus rendered useless.
TSM

Indeed, so I have taken great lengths to seal it as best I can, and its elevated quite a bit from the deck at the stern to minimise this problem, cant say its my favourite choice.. but the Rib has a good high collar on it too at the bow so I'm reasonably happy.. and apart from a transom bracket, there is no where else for it to go. Anyway, I'm not as gung ho as some of you lot

[Observer]

Why not a transom bracket. I think I'd sooner not have an aux. if the only place to store it is where it will be tripped over (as will inevitably happen if you store it on deck).

[two stroke mick]

What type of Valliant do you have? I managed to get a 2.5 hp onto the back of my DR 490. I designed an A frame to take the engine. If you want I can send you design drawings and photos

[Bigmuz7]

Well, I actually have a transom bracket for using the aux, which it can also stay attached to when under way with the main engine, I've modded the aux slightly and the bracket to mean I can get full lock left to right on the main engine at any trim .. but I prefer the aux up front for better balance of the hull. Its a 6hp 4 Str.. damn those emissions regs I could have had a 15 2 stroke for the same physical size