[quote=MN3][quote]The cheeta bracket is usually mounted with stainless rivets. I don't see the holes weakening the cross tube enough to worry about. [/quote]
I don't really agree. 4 3/8 holes in the middle of your spar can reduce the structural integrity. The center of the spar is where most of the stress of sailing is (upwind we are sheeted to center majority of the time). we are putting 100's lbs of "pull"on the center of the spar and cycling it over and over. this isn exactly what causes stress fatigue in metals
ss bolts and alum spar = galvanic corrosion/ aka rust. Esp in salt water
Many people have used cheta mounts without issue but i prefer to be aware and prep to avoid the worst.
i would do everything i can to isolate the ss from the alum (nylon or neoprene washers)
i would also use generous amounts of anti corrosion goop . I prefer lanacote or tef gel
If it was me: i would go so far as to put some type of aum plate or bar or tube inside the spar to help spread the loads. this is the same thing the builder does inside the front beam to spread out loads
I had my spars repainted last year. my spar pro said i was very close to catostrophic failure due to unseen corrosion under the paint.
I am pretty good about washing down the boat after use - didn't stop it. (I do sail in the gulf/salt)
As per weight. You can't buy a new 2 stroke in the US
A new tohatsu 2.5 is the same engine as the 3.5 - both 41 lbs.
I have an old 3.5 2 stroke but i won't use it - they are dirty and i don't care for burnt oil / gas in the same waters i eat out of .. i would say if you care about the enviroment you shouldn't consider a 2 stroke
when i flush my 2 stroke out in a barrel *(white pvc 55 gal) they it leaves a gross 3" ring of oil around the barrel. after i saw that i purchased a 4 stroke for my alum V bow and wont sell the 2 stroke - ymmvEdited by MN3 on May 03, 2021 - 02:33 PM.<!-- editby --><em>Edited by MN3 on May 03, 2021 - 02:38 PM.</em><!-- end editby --> [/quote]
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