Another Stuck Centerboard

[Dave Sturdy]

I have read & read the many posts on this subject. I too seek help. My 1975 O'Day 25 has the problem. The boat is in the water and Lake Michigan is a little cold for a snorkeling in May. My configuration has the vertical pipe with a crank for the cable. It is attached to bottom of boat with 4 or 6 screws. Can this pipe (with cable attached and secured) be removed to get to the top of the centerboard to free it? I don't want to remove screws and have the various parts described fall to the bottom of the lake, followed closely by the boat itself.

 

[Eric]

Centerboard

Dave,I have a '76 O'Day 25, and about the only thing I can tell you for certain is that your boat won't sink with the rest of the parts. I removed my centerboard after a problem I described in a previous post, and I can sail fine without it, though I am collecting some water in the bilge. I'm not sure I entirely understand which pipe you're talking about, but one thing I would advise against is cutting or removing the cable and/or line that raises and lowers the centerboard. That was the only thing that KEPT my centerboard from sinking to the bottom of the lake when it came free.If you're going to tinker with the centerboard or any of its related parts, you might consider docking the boat somewhere shallow in a few feet of water, where you can retrieve anything that does come loose. Just a thought. I may do that tonight to see if the wedges or plates are still there.Good luck!Eric

 

[Dave Sturdy]

Good Thoughts

Eric-good ideas, especially the do in shallow water! I appreciate you time.