RM Anderson
Well-known member
Not to be that guy...but is your chosen outboard rated for a lithium starter battery? My Yamaha 40 hp was only rated for lead acid.
RM
RM
2025 Devlin Snow Goose Thread
- Thread starter HenryHawthorne
- Start date
No, it's a good question. I've been planning to buy a Tohatsu, though that isn't finalized. As of a couple years ago they were advising against lithium, but that language seems to have dropped from their owners manuals. Having said that, I'm not aware of any OB MFR that has specifically said they're ok with lithium batteries (except for Mercury on a select few of their larger motors).
In my opinion, the issues that caused most OB MFRs to advise against lithium batteries was because the batteries (and their on board battery management systems) weren't really designed for cranking - resulting in voltage spikes and battery shutdown while the motor was running (killing the motor, and possibly damaging internal electonics). I believe that is less of a concern now that we have batteries and BMS designed and spec'd for the purpose.
In the end, when I buy my motor I'll have the conversation in earnest with my dealer - he's an old family friend and been in the business a long while and will give me an honest opinion about the real risks, and not just the MFR CYA line. If he strongly advises against it I'll consider a dc to dc charger or go with an AGM for the starter... but I may just take my chances. There are plenty of people using lithium starting batteries successfully with Tohatsus, Yamaha, Suzuki, etc.
Stern section screwed and epoxied down.
Steve Sanford
Well-known member
Good morning, Henry~
Gorgeous work - of course!
One question: Any thought to using s/s staples instead of screws? or bronze boat nails? I have used all three technologies when fastening decks but have found myself opting for the staples in recent years. Benefits are less pounding (v. nails), more plywood left without countersinking (v. screws - but need to adjust pressure so they are barely below flush).
Exciting phase of your project - when it really comes together as a vessel. Time for a celebratory spin in that Lotus Elan????
All the best,
SJS
Frankly, I never even considered ss staples - as this is my first boat build I've pretty much followed Devlin's construction prescription. Given the crown in the deck, the screws do give some very positive clamping pressure (got nice epoxy squeeze-out) that I wonder if staples could duplicate - thoughts? I did consider the wood loss from countersinking, but didn't have any breakthrough on this first section and, when thinking about it, figured that epoxy filling and subsequent epoxy/glass coats would largely negate that loss. Certainly welcome your experience and thoughts on this as well.
Unfortunately, the Elan is a project that has been on hold for this boat project - I have a valve that I can't adjust adequately with shims and need to remove the head to investigate further. So when the boat is complete I'll have to celebrate with a spin in the Seven, instead.
Final fitting of front-most decking piece - time to check the TM mount, ensure bow nav light wires can be run, and figure out any supports needed to ensure it and the next deck piece back will butt together nicely. Pleased with the TM mounting, got it pretty level. I've now epoxied the washers and nuts for the innermost bolts on the TM mount to the bottom of the deck (or rather to a backer on the bottom of the deck), and need to let that cure well to test and ensure I can simply screw in the bolts from above. Otherwise, I'll need to cut my front flotation into smaller pieces so I can get to the nuts with a wrench, then reinstall flotation through the access hatch.
RM Anderson
Well-known member
Stitch and Glue/Timber Frame?
What is that protrusion on the front of your bow?? Looks very nice!
RM
What is that protrusion on the front of your bow?? Looks very nice!
RM
Something I've plagiarized from @tod osier - they're just epoxied to the bow bulkhead (and will be epoxied to the underside of that deck piece when it gets installed). They'll house my bow nav lights.
jode hillman
Well-known member
That's a great idea. frees up the top deck and keeps the lights out of your eyes.
Yes, I thought exactly the same when I saw it on Tod's boat.