CENTERBOARD WOES

[twodzusfittings]

Although at the beginning of the season I was able to splash with a working centerboard, I ended the season with it stuck again and my uphaul line snapping. I ran aground in the Chesapeake Bay, into soft mud, which I think has clogged the opening inside the keel where the centerboard sits. So today, my friend and I were discussing how to tackle this, and brainstormed how to access without hauling out again. (Big bucks). We stared at the pole that holds the uphaul, inside the cabin for a while and then looked into the bilge where the pole is attached. I felt around the base of the pole, thinking it had been inserted and sealed closed. But actually the opposite. There was a lip. So we removed the top cap and the sheave holder and the pole lifted out. Inside that pole is a PVC pipe, about 40" tall, that is sealed into the bilge. Still cannot see the end of the line and the wire connection, but I think a long wooden dowel should be able to be inserted to push the Centerboard down. Going to work on that next week. Will circle back to all and let you know the outcome. I write this to help others that might have the same set up and challenge. Once its down, a new line attached, and all put back, going to figure out some way to put a stop on the uphaul to avoid getting the centerboard stuck again. Maybe the conversion point of wire to rope is the issue, could be a sticking point. No pun intended!

 

[GeorgeC]

Hopefully the water temperature has not dropped in your area. I would get under the boat with a garden hose and clean the mud from around the centerboard. If you have a scuba tank you should try to pull down the centerboard by pulling on the free end of the centerboard from under the boat. I replaced the original pendent which was a combination of stainless steel cable and braded line. The replacement was a single piece of 3/8" braided line with a Harken #2132 5mm shallow bow shackle at the end that will connect to the SS fitting at the head of the centerboard. My son and I replaced mine last summer using scuba gear.

 

[Benny17441]

Usually barnacles and sea growth is what causes center board problems for boats kept in the water.

 

[twodzusfittings]

Somehow I always think that everyone reads my posts and follows my efforts. Obviously I am wrong, totally my bad! To clarify my opening lines "Although at the beginning of the season I was able to splash with a working centerboard, I ...... it might help to visit one of my previous posts titled CENTERBOARD HELP. Here you'll find how I got to the point of being able to use my centerboard. There will be no need to jump into the water or clean up barnacles etc. The board is now stuck in the up position either because the connection of wire and line is too big for the pipe or that the running aground stuffed mud/clay up into the cavity, stopping the board from dropping by gravity. This weekend I'll be working on my planned approach. I'll circle back with a full report. That's if anyone really cares....Ha HA

 

[kappykaplan]

I'll circle back with a full report. That's if anyone really cares....

But we do care!

 

[twodzusfittings]

Well, that plan of attack didn't work! Cut the pipe, tried to push a rod down to push the board out. Way too much mud stuck up inside holding it up there.

 

[jssailem]

Is the boat still in the water or are you on the hard?

If on the hard, can you get a hose or spray wand from a pressure washer in the boat and flush the water down on the inside to wash out the possible mud?

If not inside how about washing up from underneath the boat?

The other possibility is the centerboard has swollen from water immersion and needs to be repaired. Then you are talking about removing the pivot pin and dropping the board onto the ground.

 

[twodzusfittings]

Boat is in the water. Once I get my fresh lines back from the rigger and they are reinstalled, everything put back together, the boat will get a short haul. While in the slings I will power wash the mud out and the board should drop. I wanted to avoid the short haul due to costs.

 

[GeorgeC]

You seem to be more concerned about people reading your posts than you are reading the responses you get from people.

 

[twodzusfittings]

You seem to be more concerned about people reading your posts than you are reading the responses you get from people.

Ouch! Guess I deserved that!

 

[twodzusfittings]

As a wrap up to this saga, (I hope) here is what I accomplished. I re installed new lines for the up haul, along with replacing the inner and outer tubing that runs through the cabin. With this all set, the yard hauled the boat. As the boat came out of the water, some of the mud was released and the centerboard, having loosened the up haul, dropped. Once out of the water the cavity was thoroughly power washed out, the bottom got a wash down. I took the opportunity to inspect the hull for any damage and to make sure the anodes were in good shape. Back into the water. Lessons learned: Pay more attention when in shallow waters. On the bright side, I can claim, I've sailed in the Chesapeake, because I have run aground. Not without great expense!!!!!
!

 

[kappykaplan]

Well done, twodzusfittings!

 

[tgzzzz]

Lucky you. I wanted a CB in new boat and it was stuck. I had zero luck getting "the mud" out. Finally had the yard pick it up and a couple of strong young guys took a couple of hours freeing the board and case from barnacles, then cleaning and painting. The usual use it or lose it deal.

 

[twodzusfittings]

@ tgzzzz. Go to CENTERBOARD HELP and you'll find what I did before all of this last saga.