Now that we're back from the Maya lands in the Yucatan, I had a couple ideas. The motor for Surprise is done, but wait a minute !! Can't just install it the easy way, and it is a drag when using the pods, sooo !!
Looking at welding up a motor mount that slide up by over 5 inches. That should raise the skeg and prop up a decent amount, and allow better electric push at one time. I found a hand jack that can be fixed to sliding plates to do the lifting duties, If my measurements work on paper, maybe a light plywood mock up, I found a good jack design on amazon. I can rivet and weld the hi/lo mount together in a few hours, ready to bolt on the 6 hp. if all goes well. First the mount so I can see how it functions. Catch me at the show to see this in action, assuming all goes well for this.
On the weather cover ribs, I have some mount holes for fishing rods, hand stanchions, etc. that might work. My thought is that flat bar holders would stay in better, bolt to a center brace easier maybe?? I have had some old zemak cross the hull sockets since the mid to late 60's, that's old enough for me, and a good price. No complaints on them except making better bows, which I have done many boats and decades ago. The best so far is a stub foremast with an "O" oarlock in the top hole, slide a couple plug in galv 10 ft. metal pipes. The rear is just a couple pintles to another pole in place of a rudder. If it sags, make a center pole to brace it level, another "O" oarlock is easier on the canvas cover. The ONLY reason I might use the flat bar and sockets is that Surprise has an 8 ft. long closed foredeck and a covered wood stern cover. Still looking at a center width wise crossbar tube, Then Lengthwise to hook over the bow, and stern area. I need a new cover now, but not sure the 5 year old Boat cover isn't just as good, hangs to below the trailer frame in storage. Pipe, canvas, and effort about equal cost to a new boat cover ready to pop on, in my case at least..
Off we go, -- Get Er' Done -- Cal
