Main Sheet Fiddle Block mounting

[beeteejr]

I have a Daysailer 3 which has the main sheet fiddle block mounted on the aft end of the centerboard trunk. The smaller sheave is cracking so I bought a Gerhauer replacement block but the base is slightly larger than the original Gerhauer and has 4 screw holes rather than the 3 of the original. Has anyone replaced the same item and faced the same situation? If so, how did you handle the mounting? Also, I'm curious if the original is screwed into the fiberglass of the trunk or if it's bolted with some sort of backing plate or washers inside of the trunk. If it's bolted, can you get access via the underside of the trunk with the centerboard dropped down?

Thanks !

 

[Sunbird22358]

No access from inside the CB trunk, block is actually screwed into the part of the deck molding that forms the "cap" over the CB trunk. In other words, the CB trunk itself is molded as part of the hull, the "cap" is molded as part of the deck..... complicated ain't it?

My DS II has a block with 4 mounting screws and it appears that they are just threaded into tapped holes in the fiberglass. So, I think you could just drill new holes and carefully tap them (or maybe even use sheet-metal screws). My best advice would be to call Rudy Nickerson at D&R Marine (508) 644-3001. He was parts Dept/ Materials Manager at O'DAY and also used to have a DS III. (OK, he never got to sail the DS III before a customer made him an offer he couldn't refuse.....and he sold the DS III).

 

[beeteejr]

Thanks Sunbird. I ended up calling Rudy and as usual he was very helpful. He explained there is a metal plate with tapped holes glassed into the CB trunk. Mine is a 3 hole pattern. I transferred that pattern onto my new block base and drilled 3 holes in it. Worked out fine, even got to test it out today!

Thanks again !