MJ Sailing · video

What this video covers

Matt and Jessica install an electric motor system in their catamaran by milling a custom coupler and bonding stainless steel engine mounts to the hull. To ensure a vibration-free fit, Matt modifies an off-the-shelf coupler at a machine shop, boring the centre hole from 12mm to 25mm using a four-jawed chuck and a precision boring bar.1:36 After placing the motor, Matt aligns it by centring the unit within 6mm and using feeler gauges to verify the gap between the coupler and the drive shaft.17:23 He bonds the stainless steel mounts to the engine bed using Total Boat Structural Putty, followed by six layers of 12-ounce fibreglass cloth for permanent reinforcement.15:36 The project also includes routing ductwork for a 16,000 BTU air conditioning unit and planning the cooling system layout to prevent air bubbles in the heat exchanger.7:34 Matt emphasises mounting seawater pumps below the waterline and ensuring all cooling lines maintain an upward slope to allow air to escape naturally.22:49

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