September 06, 2009 3:58 PM Today
Today I removed the rear steering cover and could not see any possible
water entrance. Took off the rear cowling off and I think I found out what
is/was causing the glass to de-laminate in that corner - the three inch
piece of wood that runs under the deck and from the transom area to that
corner doesn't cover the whole seam (stops about an 1" or so from the
corner). So the deck isn't supported enough in that corner. The other side
seems to have a sufficient amount of wood under that seam. I think the
majority of water entering the boat is from the drain plugs.
Maybe not tight enough. I would really like to find those rubber self
draining flapper valves (like the unlimiteds use), but so far all my
internet searches have only found ones that are to big for our
application.
It will be interesting to see how to get that section of the deck more
secure. I guess standing on my head.... I will cut out that glass area out
and re-do the cloth with West System.Build something under the deck to
firm it up. Another idea I had was to put some diamond plate aluminum on
the top side and just bolt and 5200 it down. Maybe in both rear corners -
kind of like a corner brace. We will see. I'm also NOT going to strap down
that corner of the trailer anymore.
The front cowling is un-bolted and I will start tweaking the cowling to
get the cracked cowling laying flat again (right now we have a very
sharp jagged edge sticking up and it would do some serious damage to a
drivers suit (I mean driver..... LOL).
The rockers have been loosened for the winter to relieve the valve spring
tension.
Tomorrow I will drain the engine water for winter.
I also tested the bolts on the thrust bearing - TIGHT, did you see what
I just said TIGHT.. YIPPEE Progress (at Moses Lake they just about
fell out of the thrust box). Speaking of progress. We accomplished more in
three heats this year then we did in a year and a half 28 yrs ago.... WAY
TO GO TEAM !!
Speaking of team. THANK YOU GUYS and GALS. All your support, enthusiasm
and encouragement was 300%. I can't thank all of you enough, I know it was
only two events (actually four since they were both two days events), but
what a GAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Watch out 2010. We are going to kick some serious roostertail....
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