Steering Contraption

[Dave R1]

I've talked about my steering modification and posted a drawing of it. I thought I'd post a photo of it in case there's any interest. I took this for Ken today. Sorry it doesn't show more. It's a difficult spot to photograph. The bungee cords are used to hold the hatch cover in place. I just hook them on the t-buckles when I remove the hatch so I don't have to reach way down inside to retrieve them.

Here's the drawing again. It shows a modification to the stub tiller that I haven't implemented yet.

[capt jake]

WOW! :shock: Pretty nice engineering!

[Dave R1]

Thanks Jake. It's probably over engineered but it seems pretty much bullet proof now. It's really quite simple and not very expensive to make.

One nice thing about having the hatch in the center is that if the steering ever does fail, I can remove the cover and steer the boat by the stub tiller.

[Garry]

Dave, what 3D cad program are you using? It looks great. Is it available at a reasonable cost?

I would like to update to 3D but only for my personal use so I need something that isn't too expensive.

You can reply to me by email from my profile page if you prefer so we don't hijack his thread (you don't have email available on your profile).

Thanks, Garry

[Dave R1]

Garry, it would probably be a good idea to hijack this thread.

I'm using a program called SketchUp. It's not really a CAD application but it's an excellent 3D sketching tool. I use what they now call V5 Pro which is not free. Google bought the company and released a cut down version called Google SketchUp (GSU). You can do most things with it but output is limited to screen resolution images. The Pro version can output extremely high res images as well as other formats to go directly to something like AutoCAD or to rendering software. GSU is also limited to personal use but that would probably work for you.

Give the free version a try before you buy the Pro version. You might find it does what you need.

Hint: when you get ready to start a drawing, go to Window>Model Info>Units and set precision to 1/64" and uncheck Enable Length Snapping.

[Garry]

Dave,

I downloaded Google Sketchup last night and it looks great! I breezed through the first three tutorials and was sketching up a fancy house in no time. It seems to be very easy to use for basic 3D stuff. I haven't learned about more advanced features yet but based on your sketch and the sample models that are available online you can do some powerful stuff with it.

I saw some simple sailboat models online. I'm wondering how I can create a model of the P28 using the sandbox features to get a smooth hull. Looks like a good possibility!

[Dave R1]

Garry, I haven't tried it for that but I expect it could be done. The sandbox tool only works in the Z-axis so you'd have to lay the hull on its side to start with. You'd do a half hull. Then stand it up, copy and mirror the copy. I suppose with buttock lines as contours, you could do pretty well.