centerboard fix - more information

[rickkinross]

Hi,

I have the well known centerboard leak and saw this post on one of the forums and would like a bit more information before I try it. This is the post:




I've done that fix

by Roger » Fri Mar 23, 2007 6:48 pm
I used a 3/4" metal pipe that I cut lengthwise into with a hacksaw to make a "hole threader". I then went to the hardware and bought a 1" long ABS plastic threated nipple with a nut fitting on the other end. (about $2) and capped that with a 1/2" end cap with a 1/8" inch hole in the end for the wire. I think it is used to couple a threaded pipe to a slip fit pipe. It stops all water from coming in to the cuddy. A simple threaded nipple would likely do the job also. About an inch long. The gap between the two fg hulls is only about 3/8" at the most, the thickness of each hull is 1/4" at most, so a total nipple length of 1" is really all you need. I liked the nut idea because it allow me to use a wrench to install it. Too simple!



Now for my questions:
I think the "hole threader" is used to insert 3/4 inch pipe into the donut facing the cuddy cabin after removing the donut. Once it is inserted around the wire do you thread 3/4 inch pipe into the hull to stop the water from splashing in? I am not sure what the 1 inch long abs plastic threaded nipple does. Does it go over the 3/4 pipe to seal up the cut made in the pipe?
Does any of this require epoxy to glue it in place?


Any help would be appreciated.


Thanks

 

[rickkinross]

Hello, I am sure someone on this forum can help - please....

 

[Sunbird22358]

I've never had a leak there, my boat must have been one of the lucky ones.

I may need to find a replacement for the plastic "donut" that fits in that hole though, Rudy tells me that Schaefer Marine used to make those but now doesn't.

I would think a pipe (or tube) that fits snuggly in that hole would work fine as long as the hole in hte CB trunk lines up pretty close with the hole in the molded cap over the trunk (molded as part of the cockpit/deck). You might have to use some sealant around it or possible drill out the holes slightly to fit a larger diameter pipe. Actually, you WILL want a pipe with an INSIDE diameter nearly the same (larger is batter) than hte original holes in hte fiberglass, other wise replacing the CB cable will be hard as the tang on hte CB needs to go through that hole. I just replaced my up cable today (real "FUN", but that is a story for another day!) and that reminded me about making the pipe large enough.

 

[rickkinross]

Thanks sunbird

Hi sunbird,
Thanks for the help. So you think 3/4" is not big enough. Mabye go for 1" or 1 1/2" pipe to fill the hole the donut fits into. I'll have to measure.
Regards I