Centerboard Lifting Strap Replacement

[200grandprix20465]

Duplicate Post also in Forum "Ask Pearson Forum" Sorry for Dup but wanted to get everyones opinions.

1975 Pearson P33
Has anyone had to replace the strap that is screwed on the centerboard as an attachment point for the lift cable?
My strap broke today, I used a rope to hold the board up and will be returning tomorrow to remove the broken strap. I will also need to fish the lifting cable out on the keel, I am hoping it is not jammed up there.

I would welcome any info or recommendations as to how to repair with parts available today. As it appeared, they just used flatstock about 1" wide and approximately 20" long, then just folded it over the centerboard leaving a loop for the cale to attach (I had to do the assessment in intercoastal water with 6" visibility, I am mostly guessing off what I could feel). Can anyone confirm?
I am also looking to see if anyone has changed it to another system for attaching to the centerboard.

If I have to have the braket fabricated, can anyone recommend a fabricator in Ft Lauderdale area?

Thanks In Advance!

 

[CalebD]

I'm not so familiar with the P33 but My Tartan 27 has a center board also.
I'd guess that the strap was used as a 'stop gap' measure to be able to lift the board up. On my boat the center board is attached to the cable via a hole in the top of the center board through which some fittings are used to make an attachment point for the cable. I'd suggest inspecting your center board to see if a similar attachment point has been broken or otherwise compromised.
An easy answer is to replace the strap with a new piece of strap but as you now know, a strap can fail. I'd go for a fix that would help me sleep well at night.

 

[200grandprix20465]

Additional Info: the centerboard on this boat swings inside the keel on a pivot.

I have inspected the centerboard while diving in the past, I am pretty sure that the strap is the only attachment point, I will have to double check.