I've built a homemade long tail cobbling together parts from a number of sources and fabricating.

The drive shaft housing is something I bought in a store that sells components which they make. The parts they sell are intended to go onto a 5hp motor.

Their drive shaft is supported only on the prop end by a wooden water lubricated marine bearing. The other end attaches securely with a rigid coupling to the motor's crankshaft. So their drive shaft is supported on both ends but nothing in the middle. The drive shaft is about 6 foot long.

Since they didn't support their drive shaft I assumed that was acceptable, but on my motor I'm having issues with the drive shaft not staying straight and contacting the carrier.

I'm curious what both the home builders are doing regarding supporting the drive shaft, as well as what the commercial builders are doing.

Is it enough to have a 6' drive shaft that will spin up to 3600rpm only supported on the ends?

Thanks!
Greg

pics????

One thing I was hoping people who own commercial long tails would comment on is if their motors use bearings in the middle of the drive shaft. It looks to me like all the commercial ones do.

I'm looking to get a sintered bronze sleeve bearing into the country so I can put it in my motor. Living in the jungle is a pain sometimes!

Greg

You can see pics here http://gregihnen.me/thatch-trip-fail

and also here http://gregihnen.me/about-me/my-motor

Is that an actual tree branch for a drive shaft? I know you said your in the jungle but daaaaaaamn! That's what I call ingenuity! Good luck!

Ok, I just read about your motor and flexible drive shaft. It just looked like a tree branch from your pics.

Ok I understand now, good luck!

those are some cool pics, thanks for sharing!