Thruster install on 232, will post pics!

[Doctordrew01]

Just have to putty/glass it in and hookup the battery and controls!

 

[Doctordrew01]

Put a few wraps of glass around the tube to snug it up before the putty. Glassed on top of the putty inside and out.
just gotta do a few more layers inside, grind/smooth the outside and get some nice round edges and then gelcoat!

And thennnnn the battery and controls haha. But we’re looking good I think!

 

[Doctordrew01]

More progress!
Idk how much I want to keep glassing the tube. Seems pretty solid already.

 

[Hookup1]

Not finished enough. Radius the edge of the tube in. Get some filler on it especially on the edge gaps. Get everything smooth before gel coat.

 

[Doctordrew01]

Absolutely. This was just a progress pic update. I get a few hours here and there to work on it and take pics.
The inside of the tube is what I was referring to. Not sure if I want to add more layers of glass in there or not.

 

[Halfhitch]

Why am I seeing what appears to be shrinkage or curing cracks when I zoom in on picture #1? Also when zoomed in on picture #2 there appears to be some gaps where the repair putty didn't adhere to the tube. Looking at the tube itself, it appears quite thin-walled. Is it the tube recommended by the thruster maker?

 

[Hookup1]

Absolutely. This was just a progress pic update. I get a few hours here and there to work on it and take pics.
The inside of the tube is what I was referring to. Not sure if I want to add more layers of glass in there or not.

Glass cloth add strength. Fill and wrap glass outside and around the inside the tube 1/2". Finsh sand and gel coat.

Inside looks good.

 

[DennisG01]

It appears the tube is fiberglass, not plastic. Is that correct? If so, I think you're good. Grab the motor by hand and shake it - does it feel solid? If not, add some more glass around the inside. But I think you'll be just fine if it's a glass tube.

 

[Hookup1]

It appears the tube is fiberglass, not plastic. Is that correct? If so, I think you're good. Grab the motor by hand and shake it - does it feel solid? If not, add some more glass around the inside. But I think you'll be just fine if it's a glass tube.

The tube is a Vetus fiberglass tube. Look at the photo further up in the post of the unfinished tube to see thickness.

Try to move it! If it moves at all its a serious problem - start over - but I think your fine. My last recommendations were to fill gaps and add strength to the tube edge and flare.

 

[Doctordrew01]

There were some cracks from when the putty cured. That putty is just to take up space and make the flare, I glassed over it. I also put putty in a syringe and filled any cracks/holes prior to glassing.
I added a few more strips to the inside Vetus glass tube and gel coated it. I’ll post more pics tomorrow!
Thanks for following along and commenting! I look forward to sharing these pictures with you all.

 

[SkunkBoat]

Bless You! hehehehe I'll stick to twisting it in with the twins!

 

[Doctordrew01]

Not THE most elegant install but so far I’m pretty confident I didn’t totally fuck anything up!

 

[Hookup1]

Looks good! But you won't know if you "F"ed anything up until end of year inspection.

What kind of Doctor Drew? I'm guessing orthopedic surgeon. Those guys know their tools and are awesome carpenters!

 

[Doctordrew01]

That name is a nickname I was given as a youngster. I wish I was smart enough to be a doctor, I’m a police officer!

 

[Hookup1]

Finish sand the outside. Get those curves and flare to transition nice and smooth. Gel coat is cosmetic so don’t worry about sanding thru. Few coats of Interprotect barrier coat then bottom paint.

If the battery is in the compartment you need a AGM type that won’t outgas.

 

[Doctordrew01]

Almost ready for launch!

 

[Hookup1]

Interprotect treatment, bottom paint and you are ready to go.

 

[Hookup1]

Almost ready for launch!

So...how did it all work out Doc?

 

[Doctordrew01]

So...how did it all work out Doc?

Amazing! It’s so awesome. SO glad I did this!

 

[Saltyone]

Where's the final product pics?