My centerboard sticks/jams when in up position. I know it is a composite material. I know there is a pivot pin but it is invisible on my boat. What can I expect when its hoisted? Whaer can I purchase a new centerboard if necessary? Thanks for ypur advice in advance. Jerry G
- Status
Easier than it sounds
Jerry Your timing couldn't have more perfect. I removed my centerboard only yesterday.It was stuck all of last summer. When I tried to pull it down , it became clear early on that it was "really " stuck.I jacked up the boat while leaving it on the trailer . Make absolutely sure the trailer is level side to side before attempting this. I used a 20 ton jack and slowly raised the keel a little at a time while shimming the keel to the trailer . Once it was raised high enough,I blocked to the boat to keep it from moving around.I used a long thin knife to make sure the Zebra mussels were removed . I then removed the plates and wedges . I tried fishing a coat hanger over the end and pulling down.I tried prying the back end down. All I succeded in doing was gouging the centerboard. By dropping the front I was able to finally get it to wiggle out. I was afraid that the Zebra mussels had wedged it into tight. I considered the option that the centerboard was filled with water and had expanded. I don't believe that the centerboard had ever been painted with any type of antifouling paint.It will be when it goes back in!!!
Jerry Your timing couldn't have more perfect. I removed my centerboard only yesterday.It was stuck all of last summer. When I tried to pull it down , it became clear early on that it was "really " stuck.I jacked up the boat while leaving it on the trailer . Make absolutely sure the trailer is level side to side before attempting this. I used a 20 ton jack and slowly raised the keel a little at a time while shimming the keel to the trailer . Once it was raised high enough,I blocked to the boat to keep it from moving around.I used a long thin knife to make sure the Zebra mussels were removed . I then removed the plates and wedges . I tried fishing a coat hanger over the end and pulling down.I tried prying the back end down. All I succeded in doing was gouging the centerboard. By dropping the front I was able to finally get it to wiggle out. I was afraid that the Zebra mussels had wedged it into tight. I considered the option that the centerboard was filled with water and had expanded. I don't believe that the centerboard had ever been painted with any type of antifouling paint.It will be when it goes back in!!!
Jerry G
Jerry G You have already gotten some good replies, especially the pictures. Apparently the O'Day 25 is very similar if not exactly the same as the heretofore mentioned O'Day centerboard boats. I have a 26 which I purchased as a project. I have had other centerboard boats and was familiar with centerboard issues. So, when I got my project out of the water by a hoist tractor (for want of the correct term). It was first placed on jack stands high enoungh to get safely under it. That allowed me to get under the boat and remove the centerboard. Once the board is out you can repair the board with epoxy and fix any problems in the cavity. You need long skinny arms to get to the top of the cavity from underneath. Since my arms were to thick and short, I devised extensions for tools to sand and paint. After the cavity was acceptable, I applied several coats of epoxy sealer and then antifouling paint. I did the same for the centerboard. This had never been done on this boat before. These procedures have been discussed on this forum several times over the last few years. I recommend a diligent study of the archives and making copies of 'all' relevant posts. Study 'all' replies and see which comments apply to you and what you can do. To get the board back in, I had the yard hoist the boat in a lift and reinstalled fixed board. All this cannot be done in one day. This way cost a few bucks, but it insures safty when working under the boat. Also take time to thank Phil for this forum... Ed K 26
Jerry G You have already gotten some good replies, especially the pictures. Apparently the O'Day 25 is very similar if not exactly the same as the heretofore mentioned O'Day centerboard boats. I have a 26 which I purchased as a project. I have had other centerboard boats and was familiar with centerboard issues. So, when I got my project out of the water by a hoist tractor (for want of the correct term). It was first placed on jack stands high enoungh to get safely under it. That allowed me to get under the boat and remove the centerboard. Once the board is out you can repair the board with epoxy and fix any problems in the cavity. You need long skinny arms to get to the top of the cavity from underneath. Since my arms were to thick and short, I devised extensions for tools to sand and paint. After the cavity was acceptable, I applied several coats of epoxy sealer and then antifouling paint. I did the same for the centerboard. This had never been done on this boat before. These procedures have been discussed on this forum several times over the last few years. I recommend a diligent study of the archives and making copies of 'all' relevant posts. Study 'all' replies and see which comments apply to you and what you can do. To get the board back in, I had the yard hoist the boat in a lift and reinstalled fixed board. All this cannot be done in one day. This way cost a few bucks, but it insures safty when working under the boat. Also take time to thank Phil for this forum... Ed K 26
- Status