Jmcnulty -

I added the metal plates. They're 1/8 inch aluminum. A local sheet metal shop did them using some scrap they had. The guy only charged me for a few minutes labor since he was really interested in how it was going to be used. I found it simpler to just take the lower hull and show him. I drilled a small hole through the hull and metal where I was going to put the screws in. GREATLY aided in hull strength. I read in another post about using wire or thread, but I never tried it. Like I said, between the metal axles and these metal pieces, this hull is extremely solid now. If you only have a little time, and don't want to do the whole thing, I'd suggest the metal axle for the idler wheel. Even that will make a big difference.

Ralph