Peter Volken Smidt – episode 9 – Electrifying a Contest 30

August 1, 2023
Series

Introduction Robust-MT Marine Technology BV.

He who cannot share cannot multiply! At Robust-MT Marine Technology BV, we believe that success is a combination of factors. Knowledge is just one of them, but it's useless without facilities, resources, capabilities, and so on. For this reason, we will never be complacent about sharing knowledge or providing a platform to someone who deserves it, or when there's useful knowledge to share.

Previous episodes:

1. How it all started

2. Removing the old engine

3. A boat on dry land and removing remaining parts

4. A hole in my hull, what next…

5. Building up in layer thickness

6. Making a foundation

7. Peeling the underwater hull

8. Armor Coat, an everlasting protection

The (temporary) installation of the pod motor

Now that the first layer of armor coating has been applied, I no longer intend to modify the base for the pod motor. And although I feel like I've done a precise job, I want to be sure that this feeling is based on something.

Furthermore, in parallel with the work outside, we also want to continue working in the engine room so that all peripheral equipment can be hung there later.

The pod motor is mounted underneath the boat. Three threaded rods extend from the motor and must be bolted through the hull inside the engine compartment. A nylon block, shaped like the pod on the outside, is mounted inside the boat to transfer the power. In addition to the three threaded rods, the data and power cables also need to be routed inside.

New holes in the hull

I use the nylon block as a template so I can drill the holes in the correct positions, perpendicular to the outside. First, I carefully measure the centerline of the boat so I can start drilling the first hole through the hull. This is a bit of a nerve-wracking moment, as closing the hull is a lot of work, and drilling new holes feels a bit awkward.

The first hole is in place, and I'll use a long bolt to temporarily secure the template to the hull. I can now rotate the template along the hull's centerline, allowing me to accurately measure where the other two threaded rods will go. Finally, I can also drill the hole for the power cables with a hole saw. The core I've cut out looks nice and solid in cross-section, with no air gaps, so I'm confident it's a solid foundation.

Assembly of the pod

Now that the holes are drilled, I'm making my first attempt at mounting the 30-kilogram pod motor under the boat. With some help, it works quite well. However, because I pre-drilled the holes for the M10 threaded rods with a 10mm drill bit, I'm making them slightly larger. This gives me a bit more room to move. I'm making minimal adjustments to the shape of the nylon block for the inside. Fortunately, the hole locations align well with the desired position, so I can get the motor into place by tightening the bolts.

I eagerly examine the results from the bottom of the boat. The engine is securely mounted both horizontally and vertically, along the length of the boat. I hadn't expected it to turn out this well. When the engine is finally mounted, the hull and engine will naturally be sealed both inside and out to ensure a watertight seal, and with this preliminary result, that shouldn't be a problem at all.

About us

Robust-MT Marine Technology BV is located in Monster , on the edge of the water-rich Westland region . Situated in South Holland, between Rotterdam and The Hague, but also near Delft and the North Sea, our showroom and workshop are also located on a main waterway. We also have a mooring on the Haringvliet, near Zeeland, where we can also conduct sea trials. We also collaborate with a renowned yacht builder and shipyard in Woubrugge, near Amsterdam and North Holland. This location also has its own marina, a large crane, and both heated and unheated hangars. In short, no matter how large or small your project, we can provide you with the necessary products and support.

About our products

Looking to buy a new electric motor for your boat or, for example, convert an existing boat to electric propulsion? Our webshop has everything you need to make your project a success. We offer the widest range of electric motors and propulsion systems for recreational boating in the Netherlands, all at the most competitive prices. Our experience with electrifying existing boats sets us apart, guaranteeing that your valuable purchase will be a positive experience. You'll regularly find special offers in webshop , we post our own test reports on our blog , and we also offer complete sets that include a motor, battery, and all additional necessary equipment. Our homepage also features several reviews and ratings from satisfied customers; we'd be happy to add yours.