I have a similar (perhaps identical) problem to the gentleman that wrote regarding a stuck centerboard. The responses were quite informative and I appreciate the fact that so many are willing to help. I recently purchased my 1984 O'Day 23, and have sailed it four times this season. Prior to my last outing, I had raised the centerboard while at dock to show my wife how to raise the board in the event of grounding, or need to dislodge from an obstruction. The board raised with ease, but would not go back down. I noted in one of the responses to the gentleman with the 1973 O'Day 23 that there was a design change in the keel/centerboard configuration of later 23 models. Would mine fall into that "later design" category (1984) and would the instructions to free my centerboard be any different? Thanks to all who respond. Oh, by the way, we love the boat. Listed here in the owners directory as "Wind Borne". Regards, Mitchel Cline
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Yes it is
different than the earlier models. Yours has a fiberglass centerboard with a little lead to help it sink. The earlier ones that stick frequently are cast iron. I also have an '84. Mine was stuck do to the po leaving too much line on the pendant to the CB, when backing from the slip it wrapped around the CB. I tried pulling the tube apart for the pendant line and pushing a fiberglass rod down it to free it from the top. It was alot of effort, had to pull the step off and the rubber part of the tube IS BELOW THE WATERLINE. No sucess. I had a friend dive on the boat and I made a pvc piece to pry it down. This could have been done free diving as he was down about four minutes total. Including shortening the line. Hope this helps. Any other questions let me know. Later Ed
different than the earlier models. Yours has a fiberglass centerboard with a little lead to help it sink. The earlier ones that stick frequently are cast iron. I also have an '84. Mine was stuck do to the po leaving too much line on the pendant to the CB, when backing from the slip it wrapped around the CB. I tried pulling the tube apart for the pendant line and pushing a fiberglass rod down it to free it from the top. It was alot of effort, had to pull the step off and the rubber part of the tube IS BELOW THE WATERLINE. No sucess. I had a friend dive on the boat and I made a pvc piece to pry it down. This could have been done free diving as he was down about four minutes total. Including shortening the line. Hope this helps. Any other questions let me know. Later Ed
Clarification of the old/new
Yes, yours is the newer design, but to clarify...all the 23 centerboards are the same fiberglass wrapped lead (about 50lbs). The earlier models have a cast iron keel bolted to the bottom of the fiberglass hull. The keel rusts, unless properly barrier coated. The later models, as you know, have a fiberglass keel molded with the hull and containing integral lead ballast to create the same weight as the older cast iron version. Both keels have the same size slot for the same centerboard. I agree with the other posts that the most successful centerboard releases are from the bottom, either while on the lift or take a swim.
Yes, yours is the newer design, but to clarify...all the 23 centerboards are the same fiberglass wrapped lead (about 50lbs). The earlier models have a cast iron keel bolted to the bottom of the fiberglass hull. The keel rusts, unless properly barrier coated. The later models, as you know, have a fiberglass keel molded with the hull and containing integral lead ballast to create the same weight as the older cast iron version. Both keels have the same size slot for the same centerboard. I agree with the other posts that the most successful centerboard releases are from the bottom, either while on the lift or take a swim.
Centerboard 25 O'day
I have a 1976 25 and like the boat very much except for the centerboard which always seems to stick. I have had it hauled at the local yard to have it fixed, but that seems to be a temporary fix at best. The yard feels the board is wood sandwiched by glass. If the glass cracks, the wood swells and causes the problem, but I think I read that the board is lead or some other metal encased in glass. Does anyone know what the board is made of? Does anyone know of a fix? Would attaching a weight at the leading edge of the board to help it sink solve the problem? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
I have a 1976 25 and like the boat very much except for the centerboard which always seems to stick. I have had it hauled at the local yard to have it fixed, but that seems to be a temporary fix at best. The yard feels the board is wood sandwiched by glass. If the glass cracks, the wood swells and causes the problem, but I think I read that the board is lead or some other metal encased in glass. Does anyone know what the board is made of? Does anyone know of a fix? Would attaching a weight at the leading edge of the board to help it sink solve the problem? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
Just freed mine!
Hi...I am the one with the 1973 23 and I just got mine freed up. As stated, this is a lead inside with fiberglass outside. I really feel the problem on mine water getting under the glass and swelling up. Just little cranks or dings can allow this to happen. I will be able to get through this year as is, but next winter will be taking all the glass off and redoing the whole thing. The one thing I disagree with is being able to free it up while in the water. I went to my friends auto shop and lifted her off the trailer. For the amount of time and scraping that it took to do it, there would have been no way to do it under water (even if I was a diver). I really feel you need to get her on a lift like I did. Anyway, she is done and ready to go and so excited!! Do have a battery issue, so feel free to give suggestions on new link.
Hi...I am the one with the 1973 23 and I just got mine freed up. As stated, this is a lead inside with fiberglass outside. I really feel the problem on mine water getting under the glass and swelling up. Just little cranks or dings can allow this to happen. I will be able to get through this year as is, but next winter will be taking all the glass off and redoing the whole thing. The one thing I disagree with is being able to free it up while in the water. I went to my friends auto shop and lifted her off the trailer. For the amount of time and scraping that it took to do it, there would have been no way to do it under water (even if I was a diver). I really feel you need to get her on a lift like I did. Anyway, she is done and ready to go and so excited!! Do have a battery issue, so feel free to give suggestions on new link.
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