Finally, some more progress

[Kern O]

I got a day to work on the boat again. One of the first things I did was look at the problem of rinsing the trailer. With the fenders off, it is easy, but they sure are in the way for washing the brake calipers. So, why not make 'em removable? I took four pieces of 1 x 2 aluminum bar and cut an angle on them that matched the fenders. I drilled and tapped two holes an bolted them to the fenders. Next came some pieces of bar bolted to the bottom of the trailer with a stud sticking up. The fenders drop right on and are pretty stiff. I'd like to find some quick attach hardware to replace the wing nuts, but it is really simple and works pretty well as is:









The fenders were so stinkin' simple I don't know why I have not done it before. Now, in looking at the pictures, I think I'll make some more smaller blocks and hinge them, so they simply lay down outward. Next, I finished attaching the ladder brackets and finally made some brackets that let me pin them in the down position.







Next came a couple little brackets to attach the transom seat. I've found that a high seat with a backrest on the transom is very popular place to sit. I had not shipped the seat I made for the Jupiter, so it is a little narrower than I'd like, but it works just fine. It is sitting off center in the picture, but you get the idea:







Here's one of the brackets with a plastic pad on top so it keeps aluminum from resting on aluminum:

[bluffman2]

man what a work of art........like i say in ringleaders thread.....wish i could have the ability to do that kind of work!!!
great pics!!!

[peterbo3]

Hi Kerno,
Some good ideas & workmanship there. Could I suggest that you replace the wing nuts with nyloc nuts. The inserts will wear out eventually but should be good for at least ten removal cycles. Cheap but effective.

[Kern O]

I agree that they need something to keep them from vibrating off. But I've not seen a stainless wing nut with a nylon insert.

[peterbo3]

Neither have I. Was referring to a standard SS nyloc nut. You would need pliers to tighten the wing nut so using a spanner or a ratchet drive socket on the nyloc nut would take no more time.
I have electric over hydraulic disc brakes on the trailer for the new boat. Trailer builder would not put SS discs & bronze/SS actuators on it as "it was too much trouble". He had me over a barrel as I could not order another trailer in time for the original delivery date. I am going to take a two gallon garden sprayer filled with a "Saltaway" mixture to the ramp & spray the brakes after launch & recovery. Hopefully this will work.

[jenkinsph]

Very nice work on the trailer KernO


The fender mountings look great but hinged sounds better to me especially if you can make them harder to remove (steal).
Also if the fenders are hinged with a stop there is less chance that they can vibrate loose and cause an accident.
Lastly tilting fenders would be way cool.


Questions,
Are the brake pad backing plates the only thing that rusts?

Is there any reason why with your skills you could not make them in another alloy that doesn't rust since most of the linings are riveted on?






Steve

[Kern O]

Fortunately, the probability of the fenders being stolen on Maui is about zero, and if they were, I'd recognize them. There's no real market for scrap aluminum, only for copper.

I did try hinging them outward, but they are really in the way. While that would probably be the best is a theft prone area, taking them off works best for me.

Yeah, I could change the backing plates and rivets to stainless, but i want to get this done!!!!!

What's worse is we are supposed to get three days of heavy rain - and there are no bowl games on.....

[jenkinsph]

Yeah, I wouldn't let the brake pads interfere with the schedule, that is something that could be easily done anytime.
It is okay to have a beer even though there is no game on the tube. You
have my permission FWIW, better ask the boss though.

About the nylocs, how about thumbscrews with nyloc nuts beneath?

Looking forward to your sea trial soon, can't wait to see some wide shots of your boat.



Steve

[Kern O]

I had delivered the arch with the bimini structure on it to the canvas guys just before Christmas. I got it back today and they did as specified. The bimini is black with a 3 foot red stripe down the center. Wow! I'll post some shots if it is not raining too hard in the morning.