kapnkd
kapnkd
Early 70’s Ericsons (at least our ‘73) had nothing more than iron angle factory motor mounts. They were plenty strong and held the then mostly used A-4 engine easily.
Unfortunately the iron mounts with sea water running under the engine from the stuffing box (and even our too low when sailing) rudder post bearing seal had taken a toll on the whole mounting system. When switching to a diesel, the iron was cleaned up and then encapsulated in fiberglass which actually lasted for another 25 years.
With the engine pulled we could see how badly the mounts had actually deteriorated.
The game plan is to now use Coosa board instead of wood with 1/4” aluminum for the mounts
Coosa boards were doubled prior to glassing for added strength
One side was done at a time to maintain exact mount measurements.
Both mounts glassed in place (Note cutout to allow access to the seacock valve) Also, grey color was mixed into the glassing so it will not need to be painted. This should make keeping it clean MUCH EASIER.
Aluminum mounts in place ready for thru bolting
Engine reinstalled and it is rock solid once again!
Unfortunately the iron mounts with sea water running under the engine from the stuffing box (and even our too low when sailing) rudder post bearing seal had taken a toll on the whole mounting system. When switching to a diesel, the iron was cleaned up and then encapsulated in fiberglass which actually lasted for another 25 years.
With the engine pulled we could see how badly the mounts had actually deteriorated.
The game plan is to now use Coosa board instead of wood with 1/4” aluminum for the mounts
Coosa boards were doubled prior to glassing for added strength
One side was done at a time to maintain exact mount measurements.
Both mounts glassed in place (Note cutout to allow access to the seacock valve) Also, grey color was mixed into the glassing so it will not need to be painted. This should make keeping it clean MUCH EASIER.
Aluminum mounts in place ready for thru bolting
Engine reinstalled and it is rock solid once again!
Attachments
-
IMG_0241.jpeg
Last edited:
