Centerboard maintenance

[Gudenuph]

Rather than trying to reinvent the wheel, how do you access and maintain the centerboard of an O'Day 25 and its case? I have a tidal grid--10 to 14 foot range-- and a sloping gravel beach. Does the full 6 foot draft have to be exposed or can the board be removed with as little a 2 to 3 foot clearance? Thanks much for your replies.
George

 

[Joe11688]

Rather than trying to reinvent the wheel, how do you access and maintain the centerboard of an O'Day 25 and its case? I have a tidal grid--10 to 14 foot range-- and a sloping gravel beach. Does the full 6 foot draft have to be exposed or can the board be removed with as little a 2 to 3 foot clearance? Thanks much for your replies.
George

All you need is 2 or 3' clearance under the keel with the board in the up position. Then remove the four bolts that hold the plates, plus the two wood screws that hold the wedges. When the wedges are removed, the board and pivot pin will slide right down provided you cleaned the old caulking out. Have fun!

 

[Gudenuph]

t

All you need is 2 or 3' clearance under the keel with the board in the up position. Then remove the four bolts that hold the plates, plus the two wood screws that hold the wedges. When the wedges are removed, the board and pivot pin will slide right down provided you cleaned the old caulking out. Have fun!

Thanks for the reply Joe. I had no idea of the bolted plates and wedges. Looks like they had thought of maintenance in the original design.
Thanks again, George

 

[Joe11688]

George,
There's a lot of info on the centerboards, plates, wedges, and Etc. in the archives of this site with loads of pictures which are very helpful. After you have solved the problem of being able to get at the under side of the keel to work on it, the bolts that hold the plates can be stubborn, but a good impact type cordless drill with a Phillips bit on it will probably remove any stubborn bolts that you may run into. I had two that were a problem. Outside of that, a fillet knife to cut through the caulking, and a small putty knife will enable you to remove that board with no problem. Good luck.
Joe