Need discussion on CB downline replacement

[Steve]

Many of us have boats ready or will be ready soon or will suffer a premature CB downline break and will need a replacement. Now.. WHATS THE BEST WAY TO REPLACE WITHOUT PAYING OUT BIG BUCKS FOR SOMEONE ELSE TO DO IT and what if you don't have a marine lift nearby?Just some thoughts!

 

[Ray]

Steve, I assume you'r talking about the...

centerboard in the waterballast series of Hunter sailboats. I have a 95 H26 that we have sailed a little over 1 year and I too am asking the question about CB line, sheeve and bushings checkout and repair/replacement. Our boat has a Hunter trailer that will not allow any work on these system.I think I will rent or buy an older boat trailer for a full keel boat that will allow work on these systems while it supports the boat. I think a suitable trailer could be had for under $1000 to buy, or maybe $100 per month, and I plan to share that cost with some fellow sailing buddies for the same purpose or rent it out. It is the cheapest way to go when you consider the cost of a haulout and hard time.Heck, how many of these trailers do you see rusting around any lake or marina.Ray s/v Speedy

 

[Nancy Berg]

Centerboard line replacement

Last year I wrote detailed instructions that we were given by Hunter to replace ours. It is in the archives under that subject , I think.It is definitely necessary to remove the center board to replace the line. You have to get the boat up at least 3-4 minimum to do that.The apparent options are:Boat lift, crane, forklift(seen it, it works) and the idea of a fixed keel trailer seems good. But you have to be able to retrieve and launch with it. That can be a thrill, too.The main thing is safety and stability. You may be under there several hours, with you and/or a helper or 2 going on and off the boat. Also, the centerboard is VERG heavy to lift back up into the housing to be re bolted on. You need to have access to do that.

 

[Jeff]

clearence

you need a minimum of 18" clearence so the support plate, which is through bolted from inside just behind the compression post, can drop down enough to clear the bottom of the boat. the Board weighs about 200# so it helps to secure a line around the boat about half way back on the board to support the bulk of the weight. Be sure to seal the through bolt again when you re-install.Jeff Peltier