Shootout boat

[FusionKing]

We have a big race here every year. people from all over the world come to be in it. It is done sorta like Bonneville to me, if you are familiar with that.
I always seem to weld on a few one way or another.
I just thought about it today and asked one of the techs if he would shoot a couple of pics with my camera for you guys.
First one is my van I use and me welding. Second is a better shot of the boat.
That building is full of this type of boats and there is another building the same way. They are 60x300. Lotsa $$

[crawdaddy]

I would say each stern drive (not including any engine of course ) would run 15-25 thousand.Im guessing to fuel up the tanks is about $800.00.What was the particular problem with the skeg that required welding?What type of filler did you use?Mike

[crawdaddy]

One thing I forgot to add, I am going to assume that matching the finish on that Skeg is no easy task, how do you deal with that?Mike

[engnerdan]

Another question for you, how long is your torch lead? It looks way longer then the normal 25 foot.

-Dan

[crawdaddy]

I hope he didnt melt the skeg off or something Just Kidding, I know your too good for that.Mike

[FusionKing]

I hope he didnt melt the skeg off or something Just Kidding, I know your too good for that.Mike

I just cannot believe that we were posting at the same time!!

[FusionKing]

I would say each stern drive (not including any engine of course ) would run 15-25 thousand.Im guessing to fuel up the tanks is about $800.00.What was the particular problem with the skeg that required welding?What type of filler did you use?Mike

It had hit something and had a piece missing about the shape and size of 1/2 of a tennis ball about halfway up the leading edge...quite common. I call 'em "turtle bites"
I used 4043 and just built it back up.

One thing I forgot to add, I am going to assume that matching the finish on that Skeg is no easy task, how do you deal with that?Mike

What I do after welding is rough grind with a 4 1/2" grinder, not quite flush. Then on that one I used a 21"x3" Ryobi belt sander with a 36 grit belt and made it just flush and then switched to an 80 grit. After that I used a 5" random orbit sander with a 100 grit disc. They said good enuff/
It had a slight tweak in it that I took out on the pre-heat as well.
I messed with it 2 hrs and they paid me $200 and everyone was happy.

Another question for you, how long is your torch lead? It looks way longer then the normal 25 foot.

-Dan

Pics say it all here...I just use a power block and chopped off the lug. Then I connected 2 twenty five ft leads and taped 'em up...been using that for about 12 yrs now.