Centerboard Cable Help

[dsciba]

Hi, I have a 1974 Essex 26 and my centerboard cable broke. The boat is out of the water now, and I would appreciate any information on where to get a new cable, what type to get, and how to install it. Thanks, Dennis

 

[Hector Barbossa]

Was it steel? If so, I'm pretty sure just purchasing a spool from West Marine or another supplier would do the trick.

 

[Merlin Clark]

If you can't find an Essex owners group (google groups or yahoo groups maybe?) then the Parker Dawson gang might be able to help. http://parkerdawson.tripod.com/1midship.html
If you can get to both ends, tie a strong string to one end and pull it through to the other side. This will help to pull the new cable through. Take the pieces to a rigging shop (or West Marine if they have a bench and supplies) and have a new one made. You might have to have one end left undone to pull through the pipe/hole/etc. and finish after.

 

[CalebD]

You might consider using something like Am-Steel line to replace the center board pennant: http://www.defender.com/category.jsp?path=-1|10391|311417|314170&id=749705
If you want to go with 'wire rope' then any West Marine store will have the right diameter stuff and the fittings that you might need. WM would also likely have Am-Steel or equivalent high tech expensive line.
There is a WM in Haverstraw on 9W if you are in West Point, NY and they sell all of this stuff by the linear foot.
Good luck.

 

[dsciba]

You might consider using something like Am-Steel line to replace the center board pennant: http://www.defender.com/category.jsp?path=-1|10391|311417|314170&id=749705
If you want to go with 'wire rope' then any West Marine store will have the right diameter stuff and the fittings that you might need. WM would also likely have Am-Steel or equivalent high tech expensive line.
There is a WM in Haverstraw on 9W if you are in West Point, NY and they sell all of this stuff by the linear foot.
Good luck.

Thanks very much; this was really helpful!

 

[dsciba]

Thank you very much. This was really helpful. --Dennis

 

[dsciba]

Thanks for responding. This is very helpful. --Dennis

 

[dsciba]

Was it steel? If so, I'm pretty sure just purchasing a spool from West Marine or another supplier would do the trick.

Thanks for taking the time to respond. This is helpful. --Dennis

 

[Ray Bowles]

Dennis, some centerboards are quite heavy (Catalina 22 is 500# plus) and some are fairly light (San Juan 23 is 60#). On my Catalina I used the standard SS wire rope (1x19 SS-316). On my SJ23 I am going to us V-12 Vectran single braid line. The line is much easier to work with, runs through sheaves better and doesn't kink.
Just more choices to confuse a person more.
Good luck, Ray