1981 Shadow Cat Restoration thread
12-01-2011 | 06:08 PM
#161
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From: Sharkey-Images.com
The only one I knew that actually stayed together was the Cheetah. The engineering was there for that one though...
12-03-2011 | 02:52 PM
#162
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From: Mine Hill, NJ/Lake Hopatcong, NJ
Your boat should not be compared to others regarding the need for transom braces/gussets. Shadow Cats are full monococque construction meaning that the sides and deck are fully cored and create a solid "unibody". The cored bailing well, deck, and sides act as transom stiffeners and give plenty of support at the transom-tunnel junction....even for triple engines.
Keep up the good work.
Keep up the good work.
Update from yesterday December 2nd
Cleaned up the rear section awaiting to dig out the bad coring and possibly extend center section.
Rich, I understand what you are saying but in my very limited knowledge of physics, the area in which the third motor would go seems like a weak point. The picture below with the red circles shows where it was severely cracked/split. When they put on the V8's in 1988 someone majorly reinforced the transom with aluminum braces that spanned the entire rear and when about 18" forward in 4 places. (you can see by the holes). My question to you is whether or not I could extend the area in between the motors to the transom. I added a VERY crude diagram using paint to help understand what I mean.
And yes, the garage is a major mess. Threw everything in for winter the other day and have to organize it.
12-05-2011 | 06:58 AM
#163
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From: Granite Quarry, NC
Update from yesterday December 2nd
Cleaned up the rear section awaiting to dig out the bad coring and possibly extend center section.
Rich, I understand what you are saying but in my very limited knowledge of physics, the area in which the third motor would go seems like a weak point. The picture below with the red circles shows where it was severely cracked/split. When they put on the V8's in 1988 someone majorly reinforced the transom with aluminum braces that spanned the entire rear and when about 18" forward in 4 places. (you can see by the holes). My question to you is whether or not I could extend the area in between the motors to the transom. I added a VERY crude diagram using paint to help understand what I mean.
Cleaned up the rear section awaiting to dig out the bad coring and possibly extend center section.
Rich, I understand what you are saying but in my very limited knowledge of physics, the area in which the third motor would go seems like a weak point. The picture below with the red circles shows where it was severely cracked/split. When they put on the V8's in 1988 someone majorly reinforced the transom with aluminum braces that spanned the entire rear and when about 18" forward in 4 places. (you can see by the holes). My question to you is whether or not I could extend the area in between the motors to the transom. I added a VERY crude diagram using paint to help understand what I mean.
12-11-2011 | 09:05 AM
#166
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From: Mine Hill, NJ/Lake Hopatcong, NJ
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December 10th
MOVING DAY!!
A while back I unloaded the boat in the middle of the yard. Wasn't soo bad for summer but doesn't have any shelter for winter winds. I decided if I can just get it about 40ft forward between the two garages then I could build a structure around it and also be closer to power and compressed air. I didn't have my camera all day so the security camera still will have to suffice. Time stamp is 1 hr ahead.
12-11-2011 | 10:56 PM
#167
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From: Mine Hill, NJ/Lake Hopatcong, NJ
December 11th
I needed to make some room in the garage. Spent the day fabricating a twin engine O/B stand/cart. I recently laminated a transom that I won't be using, so I figured I would base it on that. Yesterday I picked up some heavy duty rubber lined cast wheels and some material. What you see is the end result. I think I'm going to add some extra support even though it seems to be holding fine. I even stood on one of the motors prop shaft. It flexed but didn't do anything I wasn't expecting. To give you an idea how massive these motors are, that's a 28" door to the left. Weight 565lbs/each before all the hydraulic steering brackets/pistons.
I needed to make some room in the garage. Spent the day fabricating a twin engine O/B stand/cart. I recently laminated a transom that I won't be using, so I figured I would base it on that. Yesterday I picked up some heavy duty rubber lined cast wheels and some material. What you see is the end result. I think I'm going to add some extra support even though it seems to be holding fine. I even stood on one of the motors prop shaft. It flexed but didn't do anything I wasn't expecting. To give you an idea how massive these motors are, that's a 28" door to the left. Weight 565lbs/each before all the hydraulic steering brackets/pistons.
12-15-2011 | 11:29 PM
#170
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From: Mine Hill, NJ/Lake Hopatcong, NJ
December 15th....
Finally dug up the old wiring for the outboards and tried to get one running. I wasn't worried about the impeller since its all getting ripped apart anyways. Little fire but this damn thing idles like an indy car. Enjoy.
BTW, this is the first start attempt in 10 years!!
The second ground came off the key switch and I couldn't turn off, so I had a secondary cut-off. which I found out worked..
Click for video
Finally dug up the old wiring for the outboards and tried to get one running. I wasn't worried about the impeller since its all getting ripped apart anyways. Little fire but this damn thing idles like an indy car. Enjoy.
BTW, this is the first start attempt in 10 years!!
The second ground came off the key switch and I couldn't turn off, so I had a secondary cut-off. which I found out worked..
Click for video
Last edited by prostock85; 12-15-2011 at 11:32 PM.
