HELP ! Centerboard broke off my 23.5

Crazy Dave Condon · Jul 25, 2012

Mike sent me an email and first, I have asked him to verify if the bracket is broken or not. If the bracket is broken, I will get the drawings and then send them to the forum as Hunter no longer makes them. I will alos inquire if Hunter still makes the center board but will doubt that. However, Bob Walker with Foss Foam is being sent a broken centerboard for a 260 complete to Foss Foam who makes most of the rudders for Hunter can duplicate and build one that I recntly suggested. Foss Foam is located in Florida

Scubajeep · Jul 25, 2012

I lost my center board a few years ago, (long story...) anyway I was able to get a replacement one from Ida sailing. They were great to deal with and I had my center board in a week or so.

Good luck.
Todd H

Crazy Dave Condon · Jul 27, 2012

To update, BoB walker at Foss Foam would like for someone who would be willing to contact him if they are willing to provide a 23.5 centerboard intact so he can mold it from that.

crazy dave condon

Merlin Clark · Jul 27, 2012

I think you could make a center board for $200 max if you can get a drawing or pic and dimensions from another 23.5 owner.
I'd use a (depending on thickness of original) 2" thick slab of polyurethane foam, shape it to look like the originals drawing but a little thinner, shorter etc to compensate for the fiberglass and then wrap it with 3/8- 1/2" of glass and west system epoxy. It'll be heavy and strong.
Fair it with thickened epoxy, barrier coat and bottom paint it and save $1,000 to $1,800. You could use that to upgrade your sail locker.
I like the Foss guys offer of passing on the R&D costs to the first customer when they should have made a mold of the one they did for the lady up North. Interesting business practice. Glad they don't make cars, it'd be hell selling that first one off the line.

Crazy Dave Condon · Jul 28, 2012

Merlinuxo;

It is obvious that you have no idea what it takes to make a mold. Why don't you do it and then make them to sell. Foss Foam does not make that much and if you read my earlier posts for anyone to send an intact centerboard where they can splash from, then that would take care of alot of costs out of the picture.

I have dealt with Foss Foam for over 30 years and they are a tremendous assest as they do good work and are willing to build centerboards when no one else wants to as there is not much profit in it. Have you forgotten that many of the products in boat building are oil byproducts as well which drive the costs up not to mention all the equipment that has to be bought and used anytime when you are using many of the products in the course of this type of production.

Ok, when are you going to produce the centerboards?

Dougo · Jul 28, 2012

Mike in Cape Cod said:
Somehow the centerboard of my 23.5 broke off the boat while it was moored. I believe the bolt broke off that holds the bracket in place. Won't know till Thursday as the boat is 300 miles away from where I am writing this.

Does anyone know of a source of a replacement board and the stainless housing that holds the pin ?

I saw something about a blueprint of the housing on this forum but it was for a H24 and I don't know if the brackets are the same for both boats.

Would it be worth it to hire a diver to find it for you? Seems the original would always be the better choice if it's in good shape!

Merlin Clark · Jul 28, 2012

Crazy Dave Condon said:
Merlinuxo;

It is obvious that you have no idea what it takes to make a mold. Why don't you do it and then make them to sell. Foss Foam does not make that much and if you read my earlier posts for anyone to send an intact centerboard where they can splash from, then that would take care of alot of costs out of the picture.

I have dealt with Foss Foam for over 30 years and they are a tremendous assest as they do good work and are willing to build centerboards when no one else wants to as there is not much profit in it. Have you forgotten that many of the products in boat building are oil byproducts as well which drive the costs up not to mention all the equipment that has to be bought and used anytime when you are using many of the products in the course of this type of production.

Ok, when are you going to produce the centerboards?

Sorry if I've twisted your tail a bit here Dave. I was just pointing out the the PO could make his own. I could have omitted the sarcasm.
If Mike were in this area, I'd offer to help him make one. Cape Cod is a little too far away.

Crazy Dave Condon · Jul 29, 2012

When many talk about a mfg in the way you suggested and knowing that mfg for 30 plus years, I willl come to there defense.

What many do not understand are the associated costs of building a mold from scratch. First there are many man hours which is the largest cost and having owned my own buisness, I know that too well. When social security is taken out of the paycheck as one example, the employer is required to match that. Then the other overhead costs is another. Since you are dealing with these type of materials, then you are under the scrutiny of EPA and others requiring much more in the way of protection in the workplace and the list goes on. It is not easy for a small mfg. to make much anymore and I can assure you no one is in buisness to break even but with all that said, I know the company does not make that much either. He is the only one so far that is willing to make a mold and Foss Foam would have to sell alot just to break even which is why the charges for a mold.

However, I suggested that someone send an intact centerboard to him which he could splash and make a mold from it saving alot of the costs. Maybe someone will but in the meantime, I hope no one breaks the centerboard as Hunter no longer makes them.

crazy dave condon