Now on to the setting the keel on the strongback. It is imperative that this be aligned in the fixture parallel to the
sides, tail to stem, all on one plane. This actually took a bit of time to set up and get right, Some of the joints in the
keel had pulled from the heat when welding, even though I kept the heat to a minimal with large tacks instead of
full beads. Heating the joint with the acetylene torch it was easily pulled into position. I centered up on the fixture
and then just ran everything off of one side. I'll use a riser of 2 X 2 X 1/8 angle at each station dead center from the
fixture up to the keel at the proper elevation, measuring off of the top surface which is five inches below the
water line which is Z 0 on the CAD. Had to add or subtract 5 inches to every vertical dimension. Below: The risers
being installed. A small piece of angle on the very end will afford a thin flange to adjust and weld to, easily
removed later. My buddy stopped by this Saturday to give me a hand. He's a welder, so he was a good one to have
over.
sides, tail to stem, all on one plane. This actually took a bit of time to set up and get right, Some of the joints in the
keel had pulled from the heat when welding, even though I kept the heat to a minimal with large tacks instead of
full beads. Heating the joint with the acetylene torch it was easily pulled into position. I centered up on the fixture
and then just ran everything off of one side. I'll use a riser of 2 X 2 X 1/8 angle at each station dead center from the
fixture up to the keel at the proper elevation, measuring off of the top surface which is five inches below the
water line which is Z 0 on the CAD. Had to add or subtract 5 inches to every vertical dimension. Below: The risers
being installed. A small piece of angle on the very end will afford a thin flange to adjust and weld to, easily
removed later. My buddy stopped by this Saturday to give me a hand. He's a welder, so he was a good one to have
over.
My Steamboat Project Link to steamboat show
The Steam tug "Salty" built from Reliable Steams' plans Page 5
The Steam tug "Salty" built from Reliable Steams' plans Page 5
Below: All the risers in place and contacting the keel. Then we were able to push or pull the keel side to side to teh
correct dim off of the fixture and attach with the a large tack.
correct dim off of the fixture and attach with the a large tack.
Below: Now we'll add the rest of the uprights.
Below: My buddy got stuck in the fixture, was good for a few laughs..
Below : Now to deal with the stem. We'll build some support off of the fixture in two places out of 2x2 and 1x1 as it is
rather long and needs support in more than just one area. Same as the rest of the keel, we measured off of the same
side keeping the keel in one plane.
rather long and needs support in more than just one area. Same as the rest of the keel, we measured off of the same
side keeping the keel in one plane.
Below : The keel and stem are perfectly aligned with one another. The whole stem was kicked to one side, so we heated
it and pulled it back at the joint. This strongback is working very well.
it and pulled it back at the joint. This strongback is working very well.
Below : We'll do the same thing for the aft end of the keel. Two supports out, braced up with an angle and flange turned
out to weld up to. Notice the stock on the left side of the fixture, used to measure off of to align the tail.
out to weld up to. Notice the stock on the left side of the fixture, used to measure off of to align the tail.
Below : Another look at it
Now on to setting the ribs. Go to page 6
Below: All that was really necessary to get it hanging where it belonged was three risers, one on each end and
one in the middle. The keel is very strong in that direction. The forklift came in handy here, it was a bit too high to
lift by hand and position.
one in the middle. The keel is very strong in that direction. The forklift came in handy here, it was a bit too high to
lift by hand and position.
Below : As the stem it is the perfectly aligned and secured..
