Help with centerboard pivot and wedges

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Arnie

Been doing a lot of work on my centerboard. Does anyone know if there is supposed to be any play between the ends of the pivot rod and the keel slot? I have about 1/8"-3/16" clearance on each side of the rod. Should it fit tighter in the slot?? Also, should the wedges fit fairly close to the centerboard. I have quite a bit of space and can shim them out from the slot to get them closer to the centerboard. The shims don't look worn at all. Any answers ASAP would be appreciated as boat is going in the water on the 13th. Thanks, Arnie
 
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Rod Johnson,

What boat do you have?

I'm confused, the 302 never had a centerboard version, not even a K/CB version. Do you have an O'Day 30? Even so, I'm surprised this was the set-up on a boat that big. The smaller O'Days (192, 20, 22, 222, 23, 25, and 26) used the wedges, as did the 1980-85 DS II, and 1986-89 DS III. I would think that the pin would be a tiny bit shorter than the slot to allow for expansion of the pin, and to make it easier to insert/remove. the wedges should slide in/out without force, the stainless-steel plates hold the wedges in. A slight amount of play in the CB allows for room if the board swells a bit (although "solid" fiberglass, O'Day centerboards have a few voids and water can get in and cause swelling.) This also allows room for any minor fouling without jamming the board.
 
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Arnie

Clarification

Rod, Thanks for your response. I clicked the wrong symbol. The boat is indeed an ODay 30 K/CB version. I talked to Rudy at D&R today and he confirmed your comments. Some play in pivot rod and also lots of clearance between wedges and board.
 
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Rod Johnson,

Glad to have helped!

Good to hear that you got your answer, anytime that you need advice on an O'Day...Rudy is a good source!
 
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