• If you log in, the ads disappear in the forum and gallery. If you need help logging in or getting registered, send request to: webmaster@southernairboat.com

Bad day of airboating

Mudlife81

Well-known member
Went out last yesterday and I started to run where I should of not of Bine! As I tryed to power out there my under steering brace that holds my ruders up broke so there for I lost steering. Thank god i know thouse that came to my rescue... Had to get my boat towed in today here pic of the damage!
 

Attachments

  • image.jpg
    image.jpg
    1.1 MB · Views: 7,659
Always had good luck with 3/4 inch conduit linkage for steering and rudder spacing fastened with 1/4 sstl bolts, washer shims and locknuts which held the clearance so all of it could move freely and to top the steering system off it had 1 inch pipe from transom area up to the bottom of the stick which was 1 1/4 steel tube (1/8 wall thickness). Of course that was on a pure 1800 lb hunt boat from the 70's with a 500 caddi.

The rig lasted for about 20 years with only minor straightening problems when we slammed our flat 1/8 inch 7075-T6, 2 ft x 4 ft rudders into trees sideways once and a while when on a deer. That can get scary at planing speed in an inch of water on muck down in Area 3 S of the Alley.

Lot of fun back then.

Seems like nowadays if it don't look hi-tech and bought in a store or built in a factory folks think something ain't no good.

What the heck though state sales tax collector and many profiting love the new ways plus things look cooler.

Gladesman
 
Gotta agree with Galdesman. I have always preferred the home built look and simple no nonsense solutions on airboats. Just seem lighter and stronger to me. That could be an illusion but it sure seems that way.
 
gladesman said:
Always had good luck with 3/4 inch conduit linkage for steering and rudder spacing fastened with 1/4 sstl bolts, washer shims and locknuts which held the clearance so all of it could move freely and to top the steering system off it had 1 inch pipe from transom area up to the bottom of the stick which was 1 1/4 steel tube (1/8 wall thickness). Of course that was on a pure 1800 lb hunt boat from the 70's with a 500 caddi.

The rig lasted for about 20 years with only minor straightening problems when we slammed our flat 1/8 inch 7075-T6, 2 ft x 4 ft rudders into trees sideways once and a while when on a deer. That can get scary at planing speed in an inch of water on muck down in Area 3 S of the Alley.

Lot of fun back then.

Seems like nowadays if it don't look hi-tech and bought in a store or built in a factory folks think something ain't no good.
Ain't that the truth I built my boat some 20 or25 yrs. ago no airboat store to go shopping at back then I still have the street signs for rudders ! Will be rebuilding this year and I will still build most all the rigging my self that way if or when it breaks I am the only one to blame
Doug
 
Another benefit of self manufactured parts is that if u keep some materials around like conduit u can always repair at least cage stuff with a little bit of brazing rod and all is back to as good or possibly better than new (unless that conduit has bad rust inside).

Of course a large part of ones choice in these matters is what u have more of time or money.

Hey, what the heck it's all great fun until u get broke down or stuck in the swamp late on a Sunday evening after most folks have left the woods. LOL

Been there done that.

It is better now since with hi tech phones u can call for help right here on SA and get it. Times they R a changin'

Gladesman
 
Back
Top