CENTERBOARD WOES ODAY23

[Guest]

OK, so we stuck the long thin metal rod in the hole and gently tapped. then tapped harder. the centerboard did not magically drop down as hoped. Ok then we really banged on the rod and it moved alright,but felt as if it were moving past or penetrating something. so, the cheap and easy $3 fix was a bust. what now?? is a haul out the only answer, and if i need a new one where do i get this magical item that i assume is not a cheap and easy $3 ?? HELP!

 

[JT]

Stuck centerboard

If you unwind the cable all the way (it will be a stringy mess in the cockpit) you may be able to fasten something soft on the end of the rod and can "tap" a little harder. If it is still stuck you will probably have to haul the boat. Even with the boat hauled the rod is the only way I know of to free the CB. You said you used a "thin" rod. The one I use is approx. 3/8" dia. Anything smaller won't be stutdy enough.JT

 

[Ken]

stuck centerboard

On my O'Day 25, the center board was stuck. I got a 1/4 " rod and pushed it dn the tube where the lift line comes out. I wouldn't do this again, I damaged the center board at that location.When I took the boat out of the water in the fall, I lightly tugged on the CB and it came dn. There was minor crustations holding it up.Just a minor problem, you could swim under but be careful, when it dislodges it may come dn fast. Keep a little slack in the line, when it releases the cb will only drop a couple of inches.

 

[Larry]

Stuck Centerboard

I, too, tried the rod. No luck. In the process I damaged the connection where the fiberglass tube joins the soft plastic hose under the bottom step. Water started to leak in. Managed to stop the flow with tape and a couple of radiator hose clamps but it will need permanent repair. I'm installing a lift this week so I will be able to actually see what's wrong with the centerboard.