TOPIC:

Towards the end of last season season I removed my cracked perspex transom flaps and hinges and replaced then with thin flexible plastic film. I bodged up gaffer tape hinges (hinged at the top) and used bungy cord attached to via a small bridle to two points on each flap to keep them shut. The system worked very well and the flaps when shut appeared to be far more (very) water tight than the origenal rigid perspex.
I am wanting to make this a perminant arrangement but I am scratching my head as to what to use for the hinges. The gaffer tape worked just fine but looked like it had been fixed up by Lemmy's roady.
Can any one suggest a more elegant solution?

Richard
6959
ps Happy New Year!

Richard.

I use a single piece of plastic file across both transom ports secured in the middle, so rather than having a hinge, the film just bends when the waters needs to exits.
You don't get quite the same flow out of the back but it seems to work well enough.

John

I have just used some 2mm perspex and drilled 2 holes at the top and 2 holes in the transom for each flap then simply used some elasic through these, seems to work in theory, i can send pics if interested.I also have a supply of the perspex if anyone needs some.

I went the whole hog on Blue Jay. After experimenting with gaffer tape hinges on my original perspex flaps and several disasters I finally invested in some 3mm polycarbonate and drilled three holes in each flap. The first pair are wide spaced at the top edge and provide the hinge mounting. The hinge is some small gauge bungee cord fed through two holes in the transom for each flap. The bottom centre hole on each flap shares a common bungee knotted off at each flap - this bungee is tensioned on a clip centrally mounted on the floor about a foot forward of the transom. Tension on the 'hinges' and bottom bungee can be set to suit. It works so well I can't believe the 'crew' came up with the idea!

Albacore Andy
A7525
Blue Jay

hi

the solution for this way up was to use a polycarbon visor that is attached to safety helmets,

then use a piece of keel band to fasten the end and act as the hinge,

regards

Paul

Thanks for all your replies
I think I am going to go with the hinged top and the bungy hinge.

Richard
6959