Reliant as built by Jim Benge
May 2006
It has been almost eight years since I started construction, and I took a hiatus in '03 and '04. But I am again making steady progress and the first mechanical parts of the boat are being fabricated and installed now. It is still a slow process. Each system has to be designed and parts ordered individually or fabricated.
The engine, a Westerbeke 64-4 A, four cylinder diesel engine with a 2.5:1 V-drive transmission has been installed, followed by the shaft tube, prop shaft, dripless bearing and the full feathering 24" x 15" prop and line cutter. The rudderpost is 316 stainless steel, 2" in diameter and approximately 10' long. It had to be cut in two pieces and threaded so the rudderpost may be installed through the hull from the bottom and the upper piece threaded onto the lower portion. Drive pins keep the shaft from unscrewing.
Now I can proceed with the fiberglass work to complete the rudder and then onto the completion of the steering system.
I'll update again, soon.
Thanks,
Jim Benge
www.whitmar.org
