Inflatable Boat Help...

[bwackwabbit]

I'm looking to install an accessory (motor mount) on the bow. This will accommodate a Minn Kota Traxxis 55lb 42". It will be mounted on the bow of a Seamax HD360.

Pic of motor mount...
http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o501/bwackwabbit/B2EB6FE5-98AA-49D5-BBB1-BFE85BF3BF31-9329-000004DB15825284.jpg

Pic of location on boat (black section on bow)...
http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o501/bwackwabbit/2752311b.jpg

My question is, being that this is a glue on accessory (came with the glue and mounting grommets etc.) does anyone have experience with this? I mean adding glue on accessories. I have looked at some online resources, text and video but its not too clear as most are for repair not adding accessories.

Also if you are in the central AB area and know how to get this done, I have a case of cold ones at the ready!

[bwackwabbit]

I'm also having significant difficulty finding the solvent
MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) which is used to prep the surface for the glue.
Anyone found it locally or online? West Marine lists it but won't ship to Canada.

[ericlin0122]

I think you can easier mount a trolling motor in the bow like what I did.
http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/showpost.php?p=1928952&postcount=57

I haven't tried one yet, I only have the bracket mount trolling motor.
all you need is 3 straps, 3 cheap cabinet type pulls, a board, and some cutting and painting jobs.

[bwackwabbit]

I had looked at that option but I'm worried it won'l handle the thrust of a trolling motor while underway. Also as I am using a transom mount TM I would have to extend that platform too far past the bow to be sturdy as well IMO.

Thanks for the idea and Great looking boat BTW!

[jungleboy]

MEK "Methel ethel keytone" Is something that used to be available from industrial paint suppliers . I have some left over from my days of painting heavy equipment. Try the paint stores like Cloverdale . If that fails try some of your local sandblast/painting companies ,they may give you a little. You do not need much. Also give gerry a call at Kaygee boats in Edmonton . He may be able to point you in the right direction. I have done lots of repairs on the pvc boats (had an old Zodiac that used to spring a new leak daily :)) and it is not hard to do at all.

[bwackwabbit]

I spoke with Gerry and he was very knowledgable about the process. I will try paint stores tomorrow and Gerry mentioned fibreglass shops which I will check as well.

In your experience is something like this best done when the boat is inflated or deflated?

[jungleboy]

Inflated definitely

[jungleboy]

Be careful with the MEK . it is pretty potent stuff . work in a well ventilated area

[bwackwabbit]

Similar to ericlin0122 suggested I found these pics and a thread in another forum for inspiration if the mount can't be done.

http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o501/bwackwabbit/079E6F35-A4B7-4A18-9D04-6A43F5D92A28-9329-00000512ACA8844D.jpg
http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o501/bwackwabbit/18463EEA-B1D2-4353-BA7A-FE51900E874B-9329-00000512AA6E0F96.jpg

[bwackwabbit]

Be careful with the MEK . it is pretty potent stuff . work in a well ventilated area

So I've read, thanks for the info.

[fish gunner]

Be careful with the MEK . it is pretty potent stuff . work in a well ventilated area

Out side is no ventilated enough . Dude what hp is your transom rated for .if it is rated above 5hp you have no need to do any thing but mount the electric.

[bwackwabbit]

Transom is rated for 25hp and has a Honda 9.9hp on it full time. I am looking to have the trolling motor bow mounted to allow for more shallow water use along with being a backup to the Honda.

I also have launch wheels mounted on the transom so having both motors mounted simultaneously is not possible.

[fish gunner]

Ok now I get the issue . Be very careful around mek it is deadly stuff. Im not sure you can just purchase it with out training . Its incredibly toxic stuff.

[bwackwabbit]

I'll be using a very small amount outdoors (out of direct sunlight) but to be safe I figured I'll use my respirator either way. Thanks for the heads up.

[billie]

This is my mount. HAndles 55# no problem but it anchors inside on the front rings. (It's been painted since :).

http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd460/billie2011/IMG_0265_zps116ab221.jpg

Has anyone found a source for glue? I have another plan in mind and need quite a bit.

[bowness]

Maybe I am out to lunch (probably) but why not just move your main motor over 4 inches and mount the electric on the stern transom? Not enough space? Not where you want it? You wont get the same power and gas mileage out of the main motor but so what?!?

[bammer1]

Cause you dont have to constantly correct to maintain your desired course?

[bwackwabbit]

Maybe I am out to lunch (probably) but why not just move your main motor over 4 inches and mount the electric on the stern transom? Not enough space? Not where you want it? You wont get the same power and gas mileage out of the main motor but so what?!?

The brackets for the launch wheels are in the way of me doing this so it's not possible.

[bwackwabbit]

Cause you dont have to constantly correct to maintain your desired course?

Precisely!

[bowness]

Good enough

[bwackwabbit]

This is my mount. HAndles 55# no problem but it anchors inside on the front rings. (It's been painted since :).

http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd460/billie2011/IMG_0265_zps116ab221.jpg

Has anyone found a source for glue? I have another plan in mind and need quite a bit.

Kaygee has the 2 part glue (he's in Edmonton) for PVC boats.

billie, I am in the process of installing the aluminum rails from the pics you sent me last season (thanks again BTW). Any chance you have more pics of your motor mount? I will go this route if I can't locate MEK.

[ericlin0122]

nice aluminum rails. can you share how you do that? I am interested in building one too. mainly mounting better oars and the seats. Don't wanna spend $700 to buy the frame from internet.

[bwackwabbit]

nice aluminum rails. can you share how you do that? I am interested in building one too. mainly mounting better oars and the seats. Don't wanna spend $700 to buy the frame from internet.

I don't want to post bilie's pics without permission but these work well instead...

http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o501/bwackwabbit/98EC1519-85C8-4D25-94F7-DCBDA58B6D16-9329-0000053D5844C422.jpg
http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o501/bwackwabbit/26012FBA-C015-4EDD-B896-F169D5296910-9329-0000053D59F8F6BA.jpg

Princess Auto has the rails and S/S hardware for the cheapest I found. I plan on mounting the rails under the seats to leave as much space as possible for seating.

[billie]

Tks bwackwabbit, the consideration is appreciated.

I used "C" channel rather than tubing and it creates a nice tray that we use constantly for hooks. The benches are drilled for left/center/right placement of the swivel seats. I spaced the holes using the swivel base as an overlapping template so there are actually 5 positions.

http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd460/billie2011/IMG_0155_zps6b4d96d7.jpg

The padding between PVC and metal is rubber fatigue mat that tou can buy at Home Depot or most any hardware store. A bit of PL400 keeps it in place.

BTW, you need screw driver head bolts for Scotty holders :). A hex head won't work.

I'm beefing up the oars this year and the I have some bottom damage to fix. I'm trying to think of an effective way to make a more positive keel.

Any Glue dealers in Calgary?

[bwackwabbit]

Thanks again billie, try this link for PVC glue in Calgary...

https://salterboat.com/boat-accessories

So the open face of the "C" channel is facing into the right in that pic?

[Ruger1022]

Nice rig,
is it a Zebec?...EDIT..SeaMax.
also..
We get our M.E.K from Acklands Granger (https://www.acklandsgrainger.com/AGIPortalWeb/WebSource/ProductDisplay/globalProductDetailDisplay.do?item_code=RCD13-364). To bad you weren't closer, I could provide you a sample :sHa_sarcasticlol:

[bwackwabbit]

Nice rig,
is it a Zebec?...EDIT..SeaMax.
also..
We get our M.E.K from Acklands Granger (https://www.acklandsgrainger.com/AGIPortalWeb/WebSource/ProductDisplay/globalProductDetailDisplay.do?item_code=RCD13-364). To bad you weren't closer, I could provide you a sample :sHa_sarcasticlol:

Thanks, where are you located???

[billie]

Thanks again billie, try this link for PVC glue in Calgary...

https://salterboat.com/boat-accessories

So the open face of the "C" channel is facing into the right in that pic?

Open is UP. Look at where the seat joins.

Tks for the glue link. I was hoping for a larger quantity tho'.

As an aside, I used acetone for a cleaner rather than MEK. Easier to find.

[bwackwabbit]

Gotcha that will work awesome with some holes cut for tool storage as well.

I looked at Acetone but I'm worried that since this bond will be taking 1-1.5hp thrust it may not hold up. Most recommendations on Acetone say to lightly buff the area with 100grit sandpaper first. If you don't mind, what did you use it on? and how long/has it held?

[bwackwabbit]

Also did you do both sides of the benches (port/starboard) or just one?

[Ruger1022]

Thanks, where are you located???

In Calgary, but I am off till Sat.

[bwackwabbit]

I was planning on headed to BassPro Wed. I could pay you for a small amount of it if you are able?

[Ruger1022]

I was planning on headed to BassPro Wed. I could pay you for a small amount of it if you are able?

It wouldn't be a problem at all, except I won't be back untill Saturday.
Shoot me a pm if this works for you.

[billie]

Gotcha that will work awesome with some holes cut for tool storage as well.

I looked at Acetone but I'm worried that since this bond will be taking 1-1.5hp thrust it may not hold up. Most recommendations on Acetone say to lightly buff the area with 100grit sandpaper first. If you don't mind, what did you use it on? and how long/has it held?

Nothing that was structural but it cleaned the PVC very well. Your point may be well founded.

Also did you do both sides of the benches (port/starboard) or just one?

Both sides. The whole frame takes the stress of both seats.

[ericlin0122]

hi billie,
I am thinking doing the same frame. one thing comes to my mind, why not just use the plywood for the frame? isn't it gonna give the same support?

[bwackwabbit]

The concerns I would have w/plywood are

Strength vs aluminum because the wood will flex and the channel won't.

Weight is greater w/plywood

And aluminum is corrosion/rot resistant.

JMO

[billie]

Pretty much all BW just stated. There is a pile of stress on those channels when you lean on a seat. I also expect to replace the benches (they are just 1" particle board) and that would likely be aluminum too.

You could make plywood work but the channels aren't very expensive and easier to work with, IMO. Plywood on flat wouldn't be enough but laminated or "L" built and glued should be effective.

[bwackwabbit]

Progress so far, motor mount goes on tomorrow weather permitting...

Frame...

http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o501/bwackwabbit/null-21.jpg
http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o501/bwackwabbit/null-22.jpg
http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o501/bwackwabbit/null-23.jpg
http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o501/bwackwabbit/null-25.jpg

In Boat...

http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o501/bwackwabbit/null-26.jpg
http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o501/bwackwabbit/null-28.jpg
http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o501/bwackwabbit/null-30.jpg
http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o501/bwackwabbit/null-32.jpg
http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o501/bwackwabbit/null-33.jpg
http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o501/bwackwabbit/null-34.jpg

Pics of her all rigged and ready to follow.
Thanks for all the help and info from AO Members!

[Zip-in-Z]

http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/public/style_emoticons/default/coolpics.gif ....... looks like aircraft alum, it's obvious you know what your doing, excellent workmanship, very professional & cool rod holders, too!

Now all you need is to upgrade to a 50 H.P. tiller to make her fly!

http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/public/style_emoticons/default/hi.gif

Zip-Z


.

[billie]

Looking pretty good BW.

You may want to tether the seat frame down to the "D" rings on the inside. If someone has to get in the boat from outside, they tend to pull on the aluminum frame and it lifts the whole assembly out of the holders (ask me how I know :sHa_sarcasticlol:).

[bwackwabbit]

Looking pretty good BW.

You may want to tether the seat frame down to the "D" rings on the inside. If someone has to get in the boat from outside, they tend to pull on the aluminum frame and it lifts the whole assembly out of the holders (ask me how I know :sHa_sarcasticlol:).

Will do! Thanks for the heads up and all the inspiration.

[bwackwabbit]

http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/public/style_emoticons/default/coolpics.gif ....... looks like aircraft alum, it's obvious you know what your doing, excellent workmanship, very professional & cool rod holders, too!

Now all you need is to upgrade to a 50 H.P. tiller to make her fly!

http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/public/style_emoticons/default/hi.gif

Zip-Z


.

Thanks, 50hp! I wish...lol. I even managed to add the cool flip down cup holders!

Pouring rain right now so no go on motor mount for opening day. It's a good thing this Honda purrs like a kitten and trolls like a dream.

[bwackwabbit]

All rigged and ready (except the damn bow mount troller). Time and humidity have hampered progress on that but next week looks better.

Here's a few pics of the progress, the young fella and I are headed out in the morning...

http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o501/bwackwabbit/null-36.jpg
http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o501/bwackwabbit/null-37.jpg
http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o501/bwackwabbit/null-38.jpg
http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o501/bwackwabbit/null-39.jpg

[Rabdo]

That's a sweet looking set up man. Looks like it'll catch a lot of fish

[bwackwabbit]

Thanks, she's seen her fair share already. I think she's partial to Jacks...lol.