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Engine stand fabricators

G

gary

Well-known member
This may be a silly question..... When building a engine stand for my airboat, do I build from the deck up or build from the engine down? Never did this before and I want to get it right the first time. I have seen great fabrication work in the pic's.
Thanks,
-Gary
 
theres many great fab guys on here that will likely pipe in soon , but i can tell you how i did the two ive built, just my experience so take that for what its worth, i built a jig of my stringers then built up making sure everything was plumb and level and put adjusters in the rear mounts to make tuning on the boat easy , set the engine rechecked again my experience measure measure and re measure, and take your time , its one of the most important parts of the whole project , dont skimp on it , hope this helps
 
I'd be interested in the tuning you added. I read somewhere that the back (prop side) is built lower than level to allow adjustment.
 
Thanks, I found the thread.

http://www.southernairboat.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=85&t=38874
 
Options for that are whatever you can imagine, from studs long enough to add washers, setting up a slack adjuster (manual adjustment) or hydraulics to move it up and down. And I would shoot for either level or a 1/4 bubble high in the rear for a starting point. I attach my motor mounts to the motor and build up, a jig is great but I built mine in the boat.
 
This is what we do. Build a 2x4 box where it matches your stringers(outside/outside). Mark center on outside and inside of ends. Determine ur prop centerline height from top of stringer. Pop a chaulk line on your shop floor. I use a gantry and hang engine and gearbox at prop height above your 2x4 frame centered on chalk line. Level engine with mounts bolted to it and gearbox. Use two plumb bobs, one on each end centered on crankshaft and on the chaulkline. Build however u want from there. Keep all cuts tight. Build then whole mount and Tack a lot. Then weld opposite sides back to back. Basically weld some here then move across over there. Then remove engine/box and rubber inserts and weld the actual mounts. Remember to work slow, keep gaps tight and have fun.... Oh and have plenty of cold beverages close by.
 
( From link above)...... make sure the motor is level front to back and side to side. then start on the front legs by building them from the motor mount down to the runners on the stringers. do the same for the back legs but make the back legs about 3/4" shorter than the front. this will give you room to add washers to get the right motor angle to make the boat ride right.

So if the prop side engine stand legs are 3/4" Shorter than the front, I take it that this is where washers would be added to adjust engine and the washers would be added at the top of the stand?
Just trying to get this clear in my mind,

Thanks,
-Gary
 
I like my mounts vertical so I can add washers to adjust boat tuning. When I put the mounts on the gearbox I put 3 1/8" thick washers between the mount and box. Then you can remove them if u need to drop the engine below level. Normally u will need level or up in the rear. And yes when I stated level that is both ways. Enjoy.
 
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