shockerman80

Im currently building a expresscraft thunderbolt and im curious what sort of clearance do i need for the header and pipe from the fiber glass? i currently have about a 1/4 of an inch between the hatch and the header. Is this okay?

Justaddwata

My Feedback: (3)

1/4" may still be a little close.

It will depend in part on -

The type of pipe.
Where on the pipe you are close.
Material the pipe is made of.
Air flow through the boat.

shockerman80

its bh hanson standard aluminum pipe and the area its close to is the header all the vents on the thunderbolt are open ( the three in the front).

Justaddwata

My Feedback: (3)

I would certainly keep an eye on the area. You might find it may discolor or crack after a particularly long or hard run at some point in the future.

You could add a little insulation to the point on the inside. the key with insulation is to keep it dry though (otherwise it will transfer heat). I have a few small pieces from the Shuttle (honestly) (I have both the [link=http://www.albint.com/web/albint_pub.nsf/AttachmentsByTitle/SIP+Product+Sheet+4-8-03.pdf/$FILE/SIP+Product+Sheet+4-8-03.pdf]Strain Isolator[/link] Pad and [link=http://www.albint.com/web/albint_pub.nsf/AttachmentsByTitle/FRSI+Product+Sheet+4-8-03.pdf/$FILE/FRSI+Product+Sheet+4-8-03.pdf]FRSI[/link] that might be up to the task. Let me know if it is of interest as I may have have a dig around to turn it up.

Slow Motion

!/4" is too close, but you can go to one of your local building supply stores, and get some adhesive backed foil tape that is used for heating and air conditioning. It will reflect a lot of heat away from the glass. Just be aware, the adhesive is very agressive, and once you place it, it's THERE. Of course, the surface will have to be very clean.

shockerman80

i got it a little further away from the glass now its closer to 1/2 away thanks for the tips though.