Centerboard Rope Replacement

[tgrass462]

This weekend our 1999 260 is in a sling being powerwashed ... a good time to change out the centerboard rope.

I called down to Hunter Marine - they (Mike Thompson) told me to purchase 14' of 7/16" low stretch line. I plan on purchasing about 20' to be on the safe side. He also said that the center board weighs in at about 135 pounds - to remove it slowly so I can see how it's assembled - there are apparently 3 holes in the mounting of which only two are used.

Anyway - my question here is - for you that have done this ... how did you manage the centerboard as it is detached from the hull? My wife and I were planning on doing the job - but I don't think she could handle 100+ pounds of centerboard without assistance. Is there any way of lowering it from inside the boat - taking some of the weight off of her? Is the only way of doing this with two or three strong men to handle the CB?

Would love to hear your thoughts.

Tom Grass
Grasshopper III
Carlyle Lake, Illinois

 

[Rick Webb]

I Did Mine From the Trailer

While the boat was on the trailer I undid the bolt in the cabin holding the bracket to the boat. Had the travellift lift the boat the centerboard stayed on the trailer. To reinstall I guided the board as the travel lift lowered the boat I then lifted the new line to pull it up the rest of the way reinstalled the bolt and whamo all done.

 

[soling42]

Even with the main 3/4" bolt removed the CB won't fall until you release the line. Just make sure you have it secured in a clutch or with a few wraps on a winch and have her ease it off. If you have any doubts then ease the line until the tail rests on the ground. Then undo the main bolt and you're only managing 60lbs at the head. It'll try to flop over but it's really pretty manageable as someone eases the line to lower it down. Notice I said YOU not your wife. Unless she's bigger than you.....

The challenge is getting it back in. The tried and true easiest way to re-align the bolt is by using a 3/4"x 24" piece of all thread in the nut at the bracket end to get it perfect every time(you may need to have the table hoisted to the ceiling to clear the rod inside). As far as lifting the CB into place I'd consider Ricks idea about lowering it down onto the CB(carefully!!) or throw a strap under it and pull or jack it up, tensioning the line/strap as you go. I simply lifted the CB head while I ran the all thread into the hole and my help pulled up from inside.

My CB bolt was shockingly corroded so you might have a spare ready(see pic). I used 5200 to re-seal the bolt head. I know, some think it's equal to epoxy but that's ridiculous. Simply put some heat on 5200(hair dryer or heat gun) and it becomes putty. Oh, and don't forget to tie your new line onto your old one very carefully so it can act as the guide over the upper roller and down through the compression post.

Good luck and it'll be easier than you think....really.
Mike