Install retractable stern thruster in 42 Nordic Tug.
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Determined
placement of unit so that it lined up between the prop and the keel so that
it had open thrust area to both sides. Offset the unit to the Stbd side to minimize
main prop thrust on the unit. Cut the hole in the hull for unit to extend and
retract thru. |
Fit
the mounting flange to the hull and determined length desired to achieve
maximum depth while still allowing unit to fully retract. Then began the process
of securing the unit with epoxy and fabric. |
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With
the flange secured in place with 13 layers of fiberglass and epoxy. Ensuring
there were not any voids at the radius by using epoxy filler to bed the fabric
to the radius and careful lay up procedures. The flange was also tied into
both stringers on the Stbd side as the entire weight of the boat and the
thrust power, will be held by this flange. |
A recess had to be made in the
hull to incorporate the sealing plate that mounts onto the bottom of the
thrust tunnel. This plate must seal out all light so that marine growth does
not occur inside the flange. The plate must also be flush with the bottom of
the hull. |
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This is what the completed unit
looks like in the (almost) down position. Notice the sealing plate on the
bottom. |
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This was a very nice project when it was completed. The instillation
was very long and much thought had to be put into every detail, including
building a 24-volt electrical system for it. The boat can now out maneuver any
boat in this area (and probably further) with just the touch of two joysticks
on the dash for the bow and stern thrusters.