Over
the months of July and August, very little work on the build has been undertaken
due to other commitments and holidays, all very frustrating. This frustration was
further compounded by the extraordinary difficulty experienced in purchasing an
outboard motor! Chandlers within a reasonable
distance from my location, either ignored my requests to submit quotes, or in
the case of the eventual supplier, took my money then failed to supply the
goods, resulting in me having to re-claim the funds through the credit card
company. However, following almost three months of phone calls and emails I did
finally managed to purchase the engine and ancillary equipment, although the
whole experience soured the project to some degree.
The
architect specifies a maximum engine power of 10 hp but suggests that 3 to 5 hp
is sufficient for this light boat. Because of space limitations within the
outboard motor well and the dimensions of the hull aperture through which the
motor will project, I decide to purchase either a Honda BF 5 or a Yamaha F5,
both having very similar specifications. I have previously mentioned that I
intend to sail the boat around the Scottish Hebrides which are in parts subject
to strong tidal streams. I therefore decided to purchase a 6 hp Yamaha F6c to
deliver that little extra power; the 4, 5 and 6 hp motors in this range are all
of the same external dimensions and weight so the bigger engine did not have
any impact on the space considerations. I also opted for a charging coil which
delivers a 12V 6A power supply to charge the battery plus a 25 litre remote
fuel tank complete with delivery line to extend my operating range.
The
architects design states that two hardwood blocks are to be fitted either side
of the bulkhead forming the forward face of the engine well, cut on an oblique
angle to achieve the correct motor trim. Before gluing I fitted the motor to
make sure everything was correct but noticed that there was a degree of
flexibility in the plywood bulkhead. To rectify this situation I manufactured a
foot extending down to the cockpit floor and out laterally to terminate at
the drainage holes. To further strengthen the joint between the block and the
foot I tongued and grooved the two together, then applied an epoxy fillet at
the junction between the different components and the bulkhead. I also recessed
the aft engine well block and inserted two stainless steel plates to provide a
wearing surface for the engine clamp face. This assembly produced an immensely
strong and rigid structure.
The
reinforcing foot inside the cockpit. This will be further strengthened by the abutment
of
the teak planked cockpit floor.
Stainless
steel plates fitted to the wearing surface of the aft face of the hardwood
block.
The
Yamaha F6c sitting snug and unobtrusively in its well.
