I am presently sailing in the Florida Keys. Just this evening while winching up the centerboard, the pennant broke and it's completely down. I can see it in the clear water. I have till the end of February before I have to trailer her home. Can I still sail, in deep enough water, with it down or will it bounce around an cause futher damage? Will I have any great problems, putting her back on the trailer? Would you recommend I try, before putting on trailer, to raise as much as possible, from in the water, and putting a line around the entire hull, admidship to try and hold board up, some what? (Not an easy task)
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Centerboard
Miles, I just bought a 260 and have wondered that myself. I don't think the pennant has any downward force on the board so you should be fine sailing her like that. Your idea to place a line around the boat to hold it up while getting on the trailer is exactly what I would do. I'll watch this thread in case someone has actually done that. I hope you're enjoying the Keys - I love it down there. I'll be chartering in SW FL next week. David Hoch
Miles, I just bought a 260 and have wondered that myself. I don't think the pennant has any downward force on the board so you should be fine sailing her like that. Your idea to place a line around the boat to hold it up while getting on the trailer is exactly what I would do. I'll watch this thread in case someone has actually done that. I hope you're enjoying the Keys - I love it down there. I'll be chartering in SW FL next week. David Hoch
The Line Will End up Between the Boat and Bunk
You may want to buy a strap or use the one that holds the boat down to the trailer on the aft end to prevent any extra stress on the hull around the line. On the other hand you could simply do nothing as the water gets shallow at the ramp the center board will slide up. Many of us have forgotten to pull it up before loading on the trailer no big deal. One caution though do not try to back the boat up with the cener board dragging.
You may want to buy a strap or use the one that holds the boat down to the trailer on the aft end to prevent any extra stress on the hull around the line. On the other hand you could simply do nothing as the water gets shallow at the ramp the center board will slide up. Many of us have forgotten to pull it up before loading on the trailer no big deal. One caution though do not try to back the boat up with the cener board dragging.
Ricks right on
I have forgotten to raise mine and loaded right onto the trailer with it down, it just swings to the stern as you get onto the trailer. Make sure you have calm water when you pull out, you only get one stab at it. if the boat gets too far to one side of the trailer, the swing keel will drop off the support board and your screwed.
I have forgotten to raise mine and loaded right onto the trailer with it down, it just swings to the stern as you get onto the trailer. Make sure you have calm water when you pull out, you only get one stab at it. if the boat gets too far to one side of the trailer, the swing keel will drop off the support board and your screwed.
Why not Fix it While Your There?
It is a simple job if a lift is available. Just loosen the bolt and let the bracket drop down atach the new line and your all set. Plus it is alot warmer than back home. There are better descriptions of the job here in the archives. Holler back if you can't find them.
It is a simple job if a lift is available. Just loosen the bolt and let the bracket drop down atach the new line and your all set. Plus it is alot warmer than back home. There are better descriptions of the job here in the archives. Holler back if you can't find them.
Dont listen
Miles- Don't listen to the "armchair sailors" who over simplify the replacement of the centerboard pennant. You will have to get the boat to a yard to hoist the boat off your trailer. The compression post, inspection cover, bolt,bracket and sealant all have to be dealt with and it's not a one man job. Take it to a yard where they seem interested in the job and quote you a fair price and maby have the board and bottom cleaned and painted too while it's hanging on the lift. Be sure they know how and where to lift the boat, to avoid hull stress damage. Being on the boat not under it should add to your sailing enjoyment.
Miles- Don't listen to the "armchair sailors" who over simplify the replacement of the centerboard pennant. You will have to get the boat to a yard to hoist the boat off your trailer. The compression post, inspection cover, bolt,bracket and sealant all have to be dealt with and it's not a one man job. Take it to a yard where they seem interested in the job and quote you a fair price and maby have the board and bottom cleaned and painted too while it's hanging on the lift. Be sure they know how and where to lift the boat, to avoid hull stress damage. Being on the boat not under it should add to your sailing enjoyment.
Whats an "Armchair Sailor" ?
With a lift it is a simple one man job if you exclude the lift operator. There is no need to lift the centerboard assembly you can lower the boat onto it. Perhaps I am giving Miles too much credit. It seems that a guy who has the temerity to drag his boat down to the Keys in February probably under the guise of a Valentines present can cut a bead of sealant, lift off a cover plate, work a socket wrench, tie a stop knot, and direct a lift operator. Hell he could probably do it with a beer in his hand.
With a lift it is a simple one man job if you exclude the lift operator. There is no need to lift the centerboard assembly you can lower the boat onto it. Perhaps I am giving Miles too much credit. It seems that a guy who has the temerity to drag his boat down to the Keys in February probably under the guise of a Valentines present can cut a bead of sealant, lift off a cover plate, work a socket wrench, tie a stop knot, and direct a lift operator. Hell he could probably do it with a beer in his hand.
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