15
Engine test fit.
Engine mounted on Solinger mounts.
Rough initial bending of shaft tube.
Find a nail or a metal rod that slips into the
collet.
Use this to make sure that the engine is
aligned with the hole in the rear bulkhead.
It should line up perfectly. If not, find out
why and correct it.
Mount the engine.
Once you are happy with the engine
placement, screw the engine mounts in
place with the screws provided with the
mounts. Drill pilot holes to avoid splitting the
engine rails. If using the Solinger mounts,
drill 3/32 pilot holes.
With the engine in place, we can move on
to the shaft tube.
This is another area that will need to be
done perfectly for a good running hull.
Bending the shaft tube is a piece of cake, if
you know the secret.
The ¼ inch brass tubing needs to be
annealed.
This will make it easy to bend by hand,
without kinks.
To anneal the tube, simply heat it with any
propane torch, until it changes color.
You will see the brass color change to a
sort of blue. It only takes a couple of
seconds, so watch for it.
