Hunter H240 Centerboard bracket deteriorated PSA

[Sneed]

I was replacing the centerboard uphaul on my h240 and this is the condition of the bracket. I realize it’s 25 years old but this was one part of the project I never expected to have to deal with.

If you haven’t looked at yours in a while, I would suggest an inspection be performed soon.

 

[SteveHughessails]

Nice, lucky you decided to do the uphaul line. I started ordering the parts to do mine last week.

 

[Sneed]

I PM'd @Crazy Dave Condon to get clarification on the proper line size and his response included additional useful information; I'm posting it here for others that may find themselves in a similar situation. Given my boat is kept on a lift with no pressure on the centerboard, the explanation of why my bracket rusted out and broke is still unknown,

@Crazy Dave Condon Wrote:

7/16 inch line. Don’t consider 3/8 and 1/2 inch line. The forum store sells line for the centerboard which I recommend.

I was getting to post a suggestion on the centerboard bracket as this break was a first for me to see as it normally breaks at the weld. The only thing comes to mind is the centerboard pinched between the centerboard housing and keel tray on the trailer. If so, raise the bunk board stalks or supports just enough to allow the centerboard to wiggle between the boat and trailer. You can purchase this centerboard bracket from the forum store as they have the measurements for that bracket. It is not cheap

There is a good article by @rfranger on changing out the centerboard line found on the Hunter 26 and 260 boat information which would be applicable to all the Hunter water ballast sailboats

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Check to see if the centerboard is held fast or tight while on the lift. If not, i am stumped.

thanks for posting my response @Sneed

 

[Sneed]

The board just "hangs" there in the up position with no support under it on the lift (should I support it?). I've had this boat for over 10 years and this is the 1st I've pulled the CB out. I do recall the previous owner, who also had the boat on a lift, had the CB resting on a cross-beam directly under the bracket, so perhaps it was damaged then (10 years ago??) and finally broke. I can't say how long the bracket was in this condition but the CB was operating fine, albeit a bit stiff to pull up ever since I got the boat. The CB pivot bushing was missing too though. Thank you again for your advice and input, always appreciated!

By the way, I've got a new bracket, roller and bushing on order so should be back in business in a month or so .

 

[SteveHughessails]

I’m getting ready to lift mine today. I hope it comes out in a bit better shape. Fingers crossed.

 

[Sneed]

Best of luck, my new bracket is due to ship next week. I guess they had to manufacture it.
FYI - not sure if it will help your situation but since I am doing this over water on a boat lift, I screwed a 2’ all thread rod (from Lowe’s) into the bracket after removing the bolt to slowly lower it (with a nut I can adjust inside the cabin for control). I plan to use it to help guide it back up into the trunk again too.

 

[SteveHughessails]

Well, it's out. There is no wear where yours broke but there is a rust line on either side that has my attention. I'll be cleaning it all up and will likely get it welded just to make sure. Not a lot of room in the hull slot though. Pins look good, the roller still looks new. New lifting line for sure.

Glad I'm on the same page
Had the same thought to get it back in. Nice!

Not too shocked re bottom paint on the keel. The prop on the outboard is covered too. LOL

 

[SteveHughessails]

@Sneed I have asked for a quote for a new uphaul line. I asked for 7/16 XLS with one end having an eye and the other end bare (from the manual). I was just reading on the sailboatowners store that there line is whipped on both ends.
Would you be kind enough to let me know what you ordered?
Thanks

 

[SteveHughessails]

Funny, the store I’m trying to order from up here says they have 10mm or 12mm not 7/16 lol
I’m leaning towards 12mm as it is still less than 1/2 inch but more than 3/8. It’s never simple

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

The 7/16 line is knotted at the head of the centerboard There is a description with photos of changing that line out found boat information under hunter resources hunter 26 and 260. That description applies to all hunter water ballast sailboats except for the 27.

@SteveHughessails

check with Mike at the forum store who used to order all supplies for Hunter. Tell him Crazy Dave referred you to him

 

[SteveHughessails]

Thanks Dave
I have ordered 8 feet of 10mm Samson XLS with whipped ends for the lifting line.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Ask Mike at the forum store as 8 feet may be to short. They have the specific line for your centerboard. The whipped end will not fit into hole in the head of your centerboard

 

[SteveHughessails]

Measured it myself. There are multiple lines that make up the lift. Almost 20 feet, more depending how far back you go with it.
I have been emailing with Mike for the parts. I made it difficult for him as I don’t want to pay for priority shipping up here to Canada. It’s very expensive.

I was seeking confirmation prior, I ordered 2 lines, one whipped at one end and bare on the other. The other has an eye and whipped.

 

[SteveHughessails]

@Sneed I will measure my bunks height and I’ll let you know if there is any pressure on my centreboard. You can compare it with yours.

 

[Sneed]

Thanks @SteveHughessails. As stated, my boat is on a lift with no pressure on the CB.

I received the new bracket yesterday! It looks good and just has the h240 holes. Will be installing soon.

 

[SteveHughessails]

Very nice! UPS tells me our parts will be here early next week.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

@Sneed

you need to raise the bunk board supports higher on your lift. The centerboard should be loose not pinched when on a lift or trailer as it should to avoid being damaged. As a dealer, I got hunter to build these boats.

 

[Sneed]

I finally replaced the bracket and line. However, it seems that the centerboard is not held all the way up into trunk and sags once the line is tight. Is that normal with new line stretch (or do I have the wrong line)? I also saw that the new roller rides on the centerboard, is that normal? Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures. I can feel that pushing the board up all the way into the trunk (after it sags) is what I would call "spongy."

Do I need to let the line stretch and re-adjust before being concerned something else is wrong?

 

[SteveHughessails]

I’ve been waiting to get mine done. You answered my question which is, does that line actually hold that centre board up with authority. When I took mine apart I thought the setup had a mechanical disadvantage. The Mac25 has a steel line attached closer to the bottom of the keel. The disadvantage there is the line likes to sing. Slight adjustment with tension and you’re good. The Hunter, when on the trailer the centre board needs to lay on a platform that allows it to relax. If your bunks are too low when the CB rests on the platform it could put pressure on the bracket. When on the water the CB should be down. Perhaps only lifting on a run or going back on the trailer. Knowing where you got the parts from, it’s highly unlikely they sent you the wrong line. I think it’s the design. Performs as good as it needs to.