Centerboard screws

[Dana Payne]

I have an O'Day 20, 1977, and one of the four screws which holds the plates for the keel seems to be stripped (it just keeps turning, does not tighten). Does anyone know how to fix this? Is there a bolt on the other end of the screw? The other 3 tighten up fine. Thanks for any help...(dlpayne@sbcglobal.net)

 

[Elliot]

older model

Hello, I have an 1974 20 which I did some work on the center-board before launchthis year. I'll tell you what I know but you may want to take it with agrain of salt because things changed between our years.When I took the plates off each screw was about 3 inches long with just atypical wood threading. The holes were through the fiberglass right in tothe lead keel. When I put everything back I had my fingers crossed thatthey would all bite. At the time I figured that a slightly larger screwwould fix any spinners. Good luck!

 

[justin - o'day owners' web]

Does it come out?

If you can get the thing out you can probably tell what's in there. Is there any residue on the threads? If you stick a long, thin screw driver in there can you feel threads? Does it come out with lead on it? My guess is that as Elliot says the lead was threaded. You may be able to fix it with a helicoil. Justin - O'day OWners' Web

 

[Dana Payne]

Updated

The screw does come out, pretty much as if the threads are OK. It just doesn't tighten up completely. When I unscrew it, the threads have a powdery brown residue on them (I didn't unscrew it all the way). These four screws (2 on each side) hold 2 plates which seem to contain the wedges (I doubt they actually go into the keel). I am thinking that I will just unscrew it, put a glue of some sort on the threads, and screw it back in. The wedges are kinda "free floating" in there also, there is space between them and the centerboard and they move if poked with a screwdriver. I never had any problems with the keel "steering" the boat last summer, and I am hoping this will all hold together for about 3 months in the water.Thanks for all your suggestions...

 

[David]

When I spoke with Rudy . .

he said that the wedges should be glued in using something like 3M 4200. I have a 1980 O23 w/the shoal keel lead encased in fiberglass. I have my CB out for repairs and I will be reinstalling it this week. Rudy also said to use the adhesive on the threads to prevent water from getting into the keel. I hope this helps.David