Sailing SV Delosvideo
One Step Closer to Sailing – Propulsion System Installed! 🛠️ (Aluminum Catamaran Build Pt. 31)
April 4, 2025 · 31 min · 586K views
What this video covers
The crew installs the propulsion system for an aluminum catamaran, focusing on the alignment and mounting of the stern tube, 35mm prop shaft, and Brunton’s EcoStar H6 propeller.5:52 The process requires precise shaft alignment to prevent vibration and excessive wear, utilizing feeler gauges to measure clearance between the transmission flange and the Sigma Drive coupling.8:38 To secure the fiberglass stern tube, the builder constructs aluminum dams and uses Chockfast resin to lock the assembly into the hull.24:41 The installation includes a water-lubricated cutlass bearing, which is designed to be replaceable via access screws protected by custom aluminum tunnels during the resin pour.5:20 After an initial measurement error required welding and re-drilling a hole in the hull, the team verifies the final clearance for the folding propeller blades against the deadwood.22:38 The project emphasizes the necessity of dry-fitting components and calculating precise resin volumes to manage exothermic heat during the pour.27:49 Proper alignment and structural integrity of the shaft assembly remain critical for long-term reliability in a corrosive marine environment.
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