Bracket Build
 

Well, this is my version of a bracket. I've never made one before and since I make tanks, it's only appropriate that I make it out of aluminum.
Couldn't figure out how to add text between photos.
At the moment, I am just making all of the pieces and fitting them before I start to tack and weld it together. I still need to fabricate the internal supports. I don't like the look of the motor mount plate with gussets on the side like most aluminum brackets, so I am going to box it so it looks more like the Hermco bracket.
I will be welding a rigging tube directly to the platform. Just need to figure out where so that I don't have too much of a radius and it moves freely while steering. Need to order the Armstrong deck plate(s). Wondering if two would be better/easier for access. Well, two would be easier, but if I could get away with one then it's one less 10.75" hole that I need to make. That would dictate where I place the internal supports. Any suggestions one that? The tub is 36 inches wide.
Anyhow, I'm trying to put some time on it at the end of each day. I tend to over think things sometimes...going through the motions in my head, but that doesn't make much visible progress.
More later......

Looking good!! Just wondering how thick is the sheet of aluminum where the engine is going to be mounted?

Thanks. Both mounting plate (transom and motor) thicknesses are 3/8".

Might be just me I haven't had any food today but it looks like you have it angled wrong?

strick

Crap. Don't scare me! I honestly didn't even pay much attention to that! I was just putting stuff together. I might have to drive to the shop and look at it!

I may be interpreting the design wrong, but assuming your angles are correct, it does appear that the motor end and the boat end have been welded to the wrong ends of the box. Or the sides were place upside down?

There! All better. I had this thing together correctly the first time, but after breaking it apart to weld the transom mount together, I put it back together wrong. Thanks! That saved me some aggravation down the line!
I couldn't stand it and went to the shop to fix it. Now I can sleep tonight.

Much better. Your quick! :)

strick

Thanks Strick & Gillie, I wanted to ask the same thing but I've had a couple of Bud Lights and didn't want to go over the edge!! :)

Do not be afraid of thin branches. If they bend you`re ok. Now if they break, that`s a different story. If your live well pump shaft fails and starts to bring the rpms down and she feels heavy, that`s a whole `nother story.

Ping member Hermco for all of the angles and other helpful info.

In case there is anything to glean from the stress analysis I did on a bracket, and where to add reinforcements, the thread covering an aluminum bracket is here:

http://www.classicseacraft.com/commu...ad.php?t=23274

Page 4 has the juicy stuff.

Oh yes, I have that one saved. Thanks! I have several "Ideas" folders with info and pictures that I have gleaned from this site over the years. Hours and hours of reading....

And here i thought i was the only one hording pics for the "future"...lol

Whew!

What alum r you using 5053 6061,, 3/8 seems a bit thin. Especially where you weld..but what do i know... I just turned a twin engine bracket into the largest peice of lead weight. In less than an hour.. I definitly learned an expensive lesson.. Time and money. I wish i asked more questions before i vaporized the paint off my bracket... Good luck and its better to learn from other peoples mistakes.......

It's 5052. It's actually pretty substantial. I've seen a few using that. Some of the larger brackets jump to 1/2". With gussets inside, I don't foresee a problem. What did you do to yours that ruined it? I haven't had any time to fool with mine since the last update. Maybe this week...

I baked it and took the temper out.. T6 is now t0 i now have to temper it back..i can bend 1/2 "bar like superman... Cool but not cool.... Yea mine is built with 1/2" but for twin applications.. I could have avoided the problem if i asked first here then after the disasteri have created...

Oh, ok. I was thinking about the fiberglass one you were building....