First weekend with V-Drive

[FlatNv]

Yeah... now the next step is getting the strut pulled and de-chromed. I really, REALLY wish I had known that was gonna be necessary when I had the whole thing apart, and actually gelcoated around the mounts so as not to disturb the setup.

Now, it's gonna be a combination of ugly and difficult to reach.

Boo...

I assume the propshaft just comes straight out the bottom, or can you leave it in, and the flex will allow it to drop the strut enough to clear itself?

I hope the peace of mind it gives you makes it worth all the hassles, sucks tho.. on mine (drop thrue strut) I had to remove rudder before I could remove prop shaft and drop strut, didnt read if yours was drop thrue or not. Look forward to hearing it all worked out and is performing flawlessly:thumbup: Good luck

 

[Froggystyle]

I hope the peace of mind it gives you makes it worth all the hassles, sucks tho.. on mine (drop thrue strut) I had to remove rudder before I could remove prop shaft and drop strut, didnt read if yours was drop thrue or not. Look forward to hearing it all worked out and is performing flawlessly:thumbup: Good luck

Giving it a quick look see, I am gonna have to pull the rudder for sure... which is good because it is chrome too... so I will take it all in to get stripped and checked.

It is a drop through strut.

What do you do after this? Get it cad coated so you can inspect it, or just WD-40 the raw steel and call it a day?

 

[rivergames]

Giving it a quick look see, I am gonna have to pull the rudder for sure... which is good because it is chrome too... so I will take it all in to get stripped and checked.

It is a drop through strut.

What do you do after this? Get it cad coated so you can inspect it, or just WD-40 the raw steel and call it a day?

Post up a pic of your strut please. With that much power, and since you are already planning on taking the strut out, you might want to think about a drop through strut as well as mounting some strut braces to the stringers... I know you don't want to do this, but you have alot of power and if the strut breaks loose at high speeds, you will get fucked up, if not worse

Look at it this way, it is winter and you have a few months before the water gets warm!

 

[Froggystyle]

Post up a pic of your strut please. With that much power, and since you are already planning on taking the strut out, you might want to think about a drop through strut as well as mounting some strut braces to the stringers... I know you don't want to do this, but you have alot of power and if the strut breaks loose at high speeds, you will get fucked up, if not worse

Look at it this way, it is winter and you have a few months before the water gets warm!

It is a braced drop through. All done.

Before pics...

 

[rivergames]

It is a braced drop through. All done.

Before pics...

That's good new :thumbsup

 

[Froggystyle]

After....

Note the total lack of disturbance to the strut supports...

I don't know why I have my hopes up that I might be able to unbolt those three top bolts that go through the braces, loosen the ones going to the rails and just slide it out the bottom...

I know this is gonna end up costing me a motor pull...

 

[Racey]

Yeah... now the next step is getting the strut pulled and de-chromed. I really, REALLY wish I had known that was gonna be necessary when I had the whole thing apart, and actually gelcoated around the mounts so as not to disturb the setup.

Now, it's gonna be a combination of ugly and difficult to reach.

Boo...

I assume the propshaft just comes straight out the bottom, or can you leave it in, and the flex will allow it to drop the strut enough to clear itself?

When you reinstall the strut you need to make sure you get perfect alignment with the v-drive, this is really the crux of setting up a v-drive, we use a honed coupler and when it spins freely around both the output shaft of the v-drive, and the propshaft, they are in perfect alignment. It's kind of a bitch to align the strut to the v-drive, the strut always goes on first, and the v-drive is aligned to the strut, and then the motor to the v-drive.

 

[FlatNv]

you might luck out, but unfortunately your probably right on pulling motor:thumbsdown.. I assume its got epoxy putty all around that stuff held mine in like it was welded in:grumble:

 

[Froggystyle]

When you reinstall the strut you need to make sure you get perfect alignment with the v-drive, this is really the crux of setting up a v-drive, we use a honed coupler and when it spins freely around both the output shaft of the v-drive, and the propshaft, they are in perfect alignment. It's kind of a bitch to align the strut to the v-drive, the strut always goes on first, and the v-drive is aligned to the strut, and then the motor to the v-drive.

It came out of that hole... what are the odds that it just goes back in?

 

[RiverDave]

It came out of that hole... what are the odds that it just goes back in?

None.. (According to most peoples ex's anyways)

RD

 

[Froggystyle]

None.. (According to most peoples ex's anyways)

RD

Another perfect application for a "like" button right there...

 

[oldschool]

Glad to see your checking things out. Hopefully, everything is OK. It will be one less worry in the back of your mind when you spool that thing up and let it rip:thumbup:. Keep me posted on you ski pylon progress, did you get one from Rex?

 

[Racey]

It came out of that hole... what are the odds that it just goes back in?

You'd be surprised, you really should check it when you are reinstalling it, if you have to you can do this with your split coupler, just make sure there are no burs on any of the keyways or splits, and grease the inside then tighten just enough so it will still spin on each of the shafts separately, if the strut and v-drive are in perfect alignment it will spin on freely on each shaft when they are all coupled together (still loose, no keys obviously). Aligning the v-drive to the strut is pretty much the most important thing when setting up a v-drive. It can only be done by fit and feel. If it is not in alignment you will end up 1)scrubbing off hp, 2)if it's bad enough breaking output shafts, or bending your propshaft, 3) wearing out bearings etc.....

None.. (According to most peoples ex's anyways)

RD

Hahahahaha :thumbsup

 

[Froggystyle]

You'd be surprised, you really should check it when you are reinstalling it, if you have to you can do this with your split coupler, just make sure there are no burs on any of the keyways or splits, and grease the inside then tighten just enough so it will still spin on each of the shafts separately, if the strut and v-drive are in perfect alignment it will spin on freely on each shaft when they are all coupled together (still loose, no keys obviously). Aligning the v-drive to the strut is pretty much the most important thing when setting up a v-drive. It can only be done by fit and feel. If it is not in alignment you will end up 1)scrubbing off hp, 2)if it's bad enough breaking output shafts, or bending your propshaft, 3) wearing out bearings etc.....



Hahahahaha :thumbsup

I agree that if you get to set anything, it would be a good thing to set... but the way I see it, there are eight bolts going through the bottom of the boat that are pretty much gonna tell that bracket where to go. Then there are three bolts going across it that are going to locate it vertically, and it is all gonna bolt it with another four bolts to the stringer braces, and then another four bolts to the rail kit brackets...

If it was off... I am not sure there is anything I can do about it at this point... short of glassing the bottom of the boat back up, making all new brackets and starting from scratch..

Which, incidentally... is not gonna happen. Even if the downside was spontaneous combustion I wouldn't be going that route.

Correct me if I'm wrong...

 

[vdcruiser]

If all the bolts are a snug fit it should go right back where it was. You will just have to check it for alignment. I would put the shaft in and attach it to the V-drive with the coupling before I tightened all the strut bolts.

 

[Froggystyle]

If all the bolts are a snug fit it should go right back where it was. You will just have to check it for alignment. I would put the shaft in and attach it to the V-drive with the coupling before I tightened all the strut bolts.

Thanks VD...

 

[rivergames]

If all the bolts are a snug fit it should go right back where it was. You will just have to check it for alignment. I would put the shaft in and attach it to the V-drive with the coupling before I tightened all the strut bolts.

IMO, Not how it should be done due to it being a drop through strut.


Your clamshell clamp is probably bedded with sea going or marine tex epoxy. Before using the epoxy, dry fit the clam shell and strut and test fit the prop shaft in the loosened coupler. If you are able to tighten all the bolts down on the strut, and the prop shaft can still spin free in the coupler, that you should be good to go. If not, you will more than likey have to put a small shim in the front or back under the clam shell so the shaft can spin in the coupler.

Remember what shims you need and mix up a batch of sea going putty (I like sea going more than marine tex due to a thicker consistancy). Apply the sea going under the clam shell clamp with the correct shims. Let that cure for 2 days. Then tighten the clam shell through hull bolts. The prop shaft should still spin inside the coupler.

 

[Froggystyle]

IMO, Not how it should be done due to it being a drop through strut.


Your clamshell clamp is probably bedded with sea going or marine tex epoxy. Before using the epoxy, dry fit the clam shell and strut and test fit the prop shaft in the loosened coupler. If you are able to tighten all the bolts down on the strut, and the prop shaft can still spin free in the coupler, that you should be good to go. If not, you will more than likey have to put a small shim in the front or back under the clam shell so the shaft can spin in the coupler.

Remember what shims you need and mix up a batch of sea going putty (I like sea going more than marine tex due to a thicker consistancy). Apply the sea going under the clam shell clamp with the correct shims. Let that cure for 2 days. Then tighten the clam shell through hull bolts. The prop shaft should still spin inside the coupler.

I immediately regret not getting a jet boat.

 

[Racey]

IMO, Not how it should be done due to it being a drop through strut.


Your clamshell clamp is probably bedded with sea going or marine tex epoxy. Before using the epoxy, dry fit the clam shell and strut and test fit the prop shaft in the loosened coupler. If you are able to tighten all the bolts down on the strut, and the prop shaft can still spin free in the coupler, that you should be good to go. If not, you will more than likey have to put a small shim in the front or back under the clam shell so the shaft can spin in the coupler.

Remember what shims you need and mix up a batch of sea going putty (I like sea going more than marine tex due to a thicker consistancy). Apply the sea going under the clam shell clamp with the correct shims. Let that cure for 2 days. Then tighten the clam shell through hull bolts. The prop shaft should still spin inside the coupler.

This is pretty much it right here, they are pretty sensitive to alignment (think shimming it with pieces of paper nearly) It's not as difficult as it sounds, you just have to have some patience and accuracy. Dry fit is the starting point, if that is all good then be methodical in what you are doing from there, If the putty is going to change heights/angles etc, you need to consider that, that is why i prefer marine tex, it's still pretty thick when it's not 80+ degrees outside, but it will flow and squeeze out everywhere. Wipe away any excess with lots of acetone and rags.

This is why V-drive boats cost so much more to build than Outdrive boats.


Once you get your leg in it you regrets about the jetbote will go right out the window :skull

 

[Froggystyle]

Once you get your leg in it you regrets about the jetbote will go right out the window :skull

There's my drama. The leg is already in it.

My buddy Chuck put it best. I told him I was going to go through all this effort just to check it, and he said "You know what is gonna happen, right? As soon as you bolt it back together, you are gonna break it anyway.. and then wonder why..."

He has a point.

 

[wsuwrhr]

This is why V-drive boats cost so much more to build than Outdrive boats.


Once you get your leg in it you regrets about the jetbote will go right out the window :skull

I have to agree.

The first time I started a v-drive boat, in gear, when motor fired, I was done with jet boats, I had to have one.

Brian

 

[Froggystyle]

I've never had to pull apart a jet just to make sure something isn't broken...

Just sayin'...

 

[wsuwrhr]

I've never had to pull apart a jet just to make sure something isn't broken...

Just sayin'...

Not even if you were putting 1000hp to it and running it out to 100MPH? Just sayin'

 

[CampbellCarl]

I've never had to pull apart a jet just to make sure something isn't broken...

Just sayin'...

You don't have to pull apart a V-Drive just to make sure something isn't broken................................if you had checked it when it WAS apart.....

Just sayin'.....

So the last time that you tripled the HP in a jet, you did nothing in preparation of the increased HP and torque?....................

 

[wsuwrhr]

So the last time that you tripled the HP in a jet, you did nothing in preparation of the increased HP and torque?....................

Thanks button, click.

Just sayin.

 

[Froggystyle]

Tell me I don't know how to get a rise out if you guys...

I love the boat... I love how much more raw it is, and how twice as gnarly it is... I'm just funnin' you all.

I will say this though, I have never had a jet feel out of sorts like this. They are a ton more forgiving on setup, and while it takes nuance to squeeze the most out of them, it is definitely safer across the board to add gobs of power to without feeling like the boat is what lives under your bed in nightmares.

 

[Froggystyle]

So the last time that you tripled the HP in a jet, you did nothing in preparation of the increased HP and torque?....................

I know it is rhetorical, but in all honesty, I have done just that to a 19' Daytona jet, from a mild big block to 950 HP blower motor and I changed the impeller from a sloppy B to a SS AA, the fuel bungs and valve to -10 and literally nothing else. That's a fact.

 

[rivergames]

You changed when you started cheating on RDP with the girl next door..

RD

I was commited heart n soul to rdp for the 20' build, but sometimes the heart wanders:cool

 

[RiverDave]

Lotsa hotties out there Dave....

Hard to pick just one.

You know what else is out there? Herpes Brian.. Herpes.. Think about it!

without feeling like the boat is what lives under your bed in nightmares.

Welcome to Performance Boating! Fun isn't it? LOL..


RD

 

[rivergames]

Even the jokes about it aren't funny. Boats shouldn't be spooky, they should be exhilirating, and fun.

I can go do heroin if I want to risk my life.

That is pure awesomeness that your kid will grow up riding in a bad ass boat.

I would call up Mr. Dave Sammons (since he lives in SD) and bring a case a beer to him and in return, he looks over you boat to make sure all of the extra safety precautions are there. Things can still easily go south even cruisin at 40mph

I would help ya out, but I don't think you want to come to Compton

 

[oldschool]

You'll get the "spooky" worked out of it. Just take your time, be patient and get your advise from guys that have set up boats like yours . I think your smart by making sure the strut and rudder are solid, those are 2 things you do not want failing. Once you get it dialed in, performance wise, I'm sure you'll be hooked.

 

[500bbc]

Have you checked your plate travel and initial set?

More non jet PITA.

 

[Froggystyle]

Have you checked your plate travel and initial set?

More non jet PITA.

Only in the sense that it was dialed in with the smaller motor.

Gonna hook up with Dave Sammons before too long hopefully. Get my shit straight...

 

[500bbc]

Only in the sense that it was dialed in with the smaller motor.

Gonna hook up with Dave Sammons before too long hopefully. Get my shit straight...

Have somone hold a straight edge at the plates with level on the hull while you mash the down peddle, or set them level, mash the pedal set the lockout and check. Then the gurus here can advise on proper travel.:thumbup:

 

[Froggystyle]

BTW Carl, my brother was going on and on about this awesome guy he worked with last night... he spent over a month installing electrical in a plane that this guy was doing a high end interior on.

Talked about how we were cut from the same cloth, how much he wishes I could have met him, because he would have loved to have been involved in this project and stuff. Then he mentioned that he unfortunately met a premature end in Australia a couple of years back.

Things started adding up... and long story short... I think you might have known the guy...

RIP Dave... wish I could have met you.

 

[CampbellCarl]

BTW Carl, my brother was going on and on about this awesome guy he worked with last night... he spent over a month installing electrical in a plane that this guy was doing a high end interior on.

Talked about how we were cut from the same cloth, how much he wishes I could have met him, because he would have loved to have been involved in this project and stuff. Then he mentioned that he unfortunately met a premature end in Australia a couple of years back.

Things started adding up... and long story short... I think you might have known the guy...

RIP Dave... wish I could have met you.

I did.........what a talent and gone too soon (see my sig line). His 'Celebration of Life' was like none other that I have attended. I'll just tell you this part.....the back doors of the church opened, the casket was ushered in by his Unlimited Hydro Crew as paul bearers (in Race Crew Uniforms) to the LOUD church sound system cranked to 11 playing Johnny Cash's "I fell in to a burnin' ring of fire.........."

And then the party started.......:thumbsup

 

[Froggystyle]

I did.........what a talent and gone too soon (see my sig line). His 'Celebration of Life' was like none other that I have attended. I'll just tell you this part.....the back doors of the church opened, the casket was ushered in by his Unlimited Hydro Crew as paul bearers (in Race Crew Uniforms) to the LOUD church sound system cranked to 11 playing Johnny Cash's "I fell in to a burnin' ring of fire.........."

And then the party started.......:thumbsup

Well... there are worse ways to be remembered. Part of burying my brothers over time has always been the realization that going out in battle is a pretty cool way to go.

We all gotta go... ball of fire is a pretty good one.

Beats a diaper full of your own feces in a nursing home in any case.

 

[wsuwrhr]

Well... there are worse ways to be remembered. Part of burying my brothers over time has always been the realization that going out in battle is a pretty cool way to go.

We all gotta go... ball of fire is a pretty good one.

Beats a diaper full of your own feces in a nursing home in any case.

Thanks button, click.

 

[TBI]

BTW Carl, my brother was going on and on about this awesome guy he worked with last night... he spent over a month installing electrical in a plane that this guy was doing a high end interior on.

Talked about how we were cut from the same cloth, how much he wishes I could have met him, because he would have loved to have been involved in this project and stuff. Then he mentioned that he unfortunately met a premature end in Australia a couple of years back.

Things started adding up... and long story short... I think you might have known the guy...

RIP Dave... wish I could have met you.

I did.........what a talent and gone too soon (see my sig line). His 'Celebration of Life' was like none other that I have attended. I'll just tell you this part.....the back doors of the church opened, the casket was ushered in by his Unlimited Hydro Crew as paul bearers (in Race Crew Uniforms) to the LOUD church sound system cranked to 11 playing Johnny Cash's "I fell in to a burnin' ring of fire.........."

And then the party started.......:thumbsup

:thumbsup

 

[steveo143]

When Wes gets back in town I am going down to supervise the assembly of the v-drive and will do a thorough safety check. Meanwhile this thread has been very entertaining! Brian, get to work on the Algons!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Racey]

BTW Wes, if you ever have any questions or need anything don't hesitate to call. I'm sure you pretty much have it handled, just extending the offer. :thumbup:

 

[CampbellCarl]

I'm sure that this question is WAY out of line.................

Wes, how many lifting strakes and how close to the stern do they stop?

 

[rivergames]

I'm sure that this question is WAY out of line.................

Wes, how many lifting strakes and how close to the stern do they stop?

There you go Carl... jacking up a perfectly good thread

 

[djunkie]

Just admit it, you're all jealous of the open bow beater Schiada. It's ok.


Sent from my iPad using Tap That Ass

 

[wsuwrhr]

I badly wanted one of Dannys DCM's boats to do an open bow billet v-drive.

I am saddened that won't ever happen.

Brian

 

[djunkie]

I badly wanted one of Dannys DCM's boats to do an open bow billet v-drive.

I am saddened that won't ever happen.

Brian

I thought I had heard that his dad was gonna keep the molds and maybe lay some up? I could be wrong of course.


Sent from my iPad using Tap That Ass

 

[wsuwrhr]

I thought I had heard that his dad was gonna keep the molds and maybe lay some up? I could be wrong of course.


Sent from my iPad using Tap That Ass

I am sure he will and why wouldn't he? He owns the molds.

..and maybe I still will. But it isn't "my friend's boat that he is building" anymore.

Brian

 

[CampbellCarl]

Actually, Dave hasn't said anything... I just wanted to throw him under the bus and make it look like he was worried.

I have shit to do. I have a big day tomorrow...

You think we are still on even if it is raining cats and dogs?

Some of us (Sharp Shooter) shit their pants thinking about towing a boat in the rain................me, not so much..........you?

 

[Froggystyle]

Some of us (Sharp Shooter) shit their pants thinking about towing a boat in the rain................me, not so much..........you?

I am just worried about the motivation that our intended audience is going to have taking a good look at it in the rain. I'm good to go.

The V-drive is still opened up, but that aside I think that we are sound as a pound. I've got a great Dan Bienz tow cover on it, so I am not worried about it getting wet or anything.

A little water never hurt a boat in any case. I just need to button up the V-drive to keep it from getting oily water everywhere...

 

[CampbellCarl]

I am just worried about the motivation that our intended audience is going to have taking a good look at it in the rain. I'm good to go.

The V-drive is still opened up, but that aside I think that we are sound as a pound. I've got a great Dan Bienz tow cover on it, so I am not worried about it getting wet or anything.

A little water never hurt a boat in any case. I just need to button up the V-drive to keep it from getting oily water everywhere...

I wouldn't worry about the v-drive oil........most/all of the attention will be under 'High Order'...............we're on..........:thumbup: