BLUEMOMENT

Hello to all,
I am building 38' steel spray cutter rigged, needing some advice regarding the
stern tube, and perhaps suggest an engine for marine conversation?
14 tons finished build !
steel tube wall thickness 10mm approx
1. stuffing glands at both ends ?
2. cutless bearing and internal stuffing gland, or PSS seal ?
I have not worked out the maths as yet but thought 40mm 316 ss shaft adequate for say up to 90hp

I would be gratefull for any advice offered ( apart from buy a boat )

Best Regards

Hello Richard
I have built a steel Spray 38' classic and have sailed it from UK to Mahon Spain where we are moored at the moment. I have a 50mm ss shaft with a Ford 61 hp 2.5l engine @ 3000rpm gearbox is 2.81 to 1 reduction. Also have 2 cutlass bearings which is recommended as the prop tube is over 2meters long. 10mm thickness is ok.
Where are you building your Spray?
Any more help let me know.
Oh I did not opt for stuffing box but went the deep seal route which has worked out great no drips and no problems.
Regards
Mike Ruffles

Hello Mike,
Thank you for the response. Can I assume 50 mm prop shaft
is needed for a 22 -23" propellor ? or larger to handle the
torque
May seem a silly question but I am still a rookieNot too bad at
machinning and welding. I have had one sail to Northern
Ireland - that's it
It was the best. nothing to beat it when she takes to the wind.
I have some digital prints I can send you but unsure how to on
this forum ??. Current work is slow due corrective action !!
Just a quick response, I will send another response with some
questions
Best Regards
Richard

Hi Richard
yes 50mm is for a 23" prop. I have this. You can email me on mikeruffles@tiscali.co.uk this may be easier with pictures.

Hi Mike,
I have many questions to ask . As you will be aware the plans
for self build are general not very detailed with chainplates,
bowsprits, rudder tube arrangements etc etc. For the moment
I will sort out some prints that I have to date and reduce the
size for for web transmission about 4 -5 secs on 56kbs.
Iam completing the hull at Renfrew on the White Cart river
a tributary of the Clyde about 9miles west of Glasgow. The black
and the White Cart merge at Renfrew and formed a spit of land.
This is now the local crusing club's land Est 1932 and we have
filled in quite a bit over the last 6 years to stop flooding
Winter tides heavy rain wind against tide - you know the
problems - I am sure. Iam trying to complete this
38' B.roberts Spray - unfinished project from Norfork. A few
mistakes to correct as I see it. The cast lead into the keel
unprotected steel touching the damp lead. !!!
Six/seven full weekends to remove - ouch tennis /repetive strain
injury. Opps the College Janitors are closing the College
rmckay@reidkerr.ac.uk for reference
Must Finish here

Best Regards till later

Richard

Hi Richard
only just loged on to read your message, look forward to some pics I'll send you a couple of my competed Spray to your email address.
Regards
Mike

Hi Mike,
The link for receiving pictures/JPG format is quite fast, so no problem there. I have been quite busy with College duties but managed to take some snaps with a borrowed camera. Just have to trim them down in size. I will do that this week and send them off. Not a lot to see at the moment as the hull is covered over with ex- marquee roof section acting as a tarpaulin 60' x 20' - £40. Scottish weather - rain, rain, etc. rain!!. I have cut away the chain locker from the forepeak on Sunday - too high and too heavy, cannot maintain existing design effectively see pics to follow.

All the Best

Richard