I have just purchased an '84 26' model. I love the boat though still not sailed her yet. I am curious about the centerboard. since the boat is on trailer, it seems obvious the only way to visually inspect is to dive under the boat when in water or sling it of trailer at a yard. Until I do either of those, can anyone provide me with a detailed description of where in the keel approx does the centerboard pivot from and what sort of connection is it to the pendant? That centerboard weighs on my mind since it it comes loose, there would seem to easy way of retreiving onto trailer. I have owned a couple other smaller weekenders with shoal draft keels and no board, and I am tempted to permanently remove the board and seal up the slot. Which actually raises another question...if this model is left in slip for a permanent basis, how do you inspect, clean, paint the interior surfaces of that centerboard slot? It seems prone to excessive growth in there if not blistering, and again, the centerboard, any hardware and the pendant itself are submerged full time. Have I raised good concerns, or can someone out there put my mind at ease. Other than this design feature, I love my boat. Help a newbie please.
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26 centerboard
I too have an 84' O'Day 26. She has the original pendant but I have a new one from Rudy. It attaches with a screw pin shackle to the board. I would not remove the board as you will change the ballast, side drift and the lift function of the board. Sail with it up and down and you will soon see. With the board up in 15 -18 and she will lean over for you! You will not be able to point very well either. You can only change the pendant with a Travel-lift or scuba gear. I'm in Kansas and the travel lifts are about $300 to lift the boat so I am looking for a scuba diver and I'll give him $100 for five minutes work. The way I look at it is that "if it aint broke don't fix it". I also have an Amphibi-Con rigged the same. My board jammed down and I had to drive her on to her trailer. An exciting day! Fortunately, AC's allow access to the center board and trunk from the cabin and the fix was easy.
I too have an 84' O'Day 26. She has the original pendant but I have a new one from Rudy. It attaches with a screw pin shackle to the board. I would not remove the board as you will change the ballast, side drift and the lift function of the board. Sail with it up and down and you will soon see. With the board up in 15 -18 and she will lean over for you! You will not be able to point very well either. You can only change the pendant with a Travel-lift or scuba gear. I'm in Kansas and the travel lifts are about $300 to lift the boat so I am looking for a scuba diver and I'll give him $100 for five minutes work. The way I look at it is that "if it aint broke don't fix it". I also have an Amphibi-Con rigged the same. My board jammed down and I had to drive her on to her trailer. An exciting day! Fortunately, AC's allow access to the center board and trunk from the cabin and the fix was easy.
I wouldn't do anything drastic
If you haven't sailed her yet, I wouldn't even think about making any changes such as sealing up the centerboard slot. We bought our O'day 26 while she was in the water and sailed her all summer before getting a good look at her hull. We did have to trust the seller's word about her condition. He was a local cop, so we felt pretty confident in his assurance that she was in good shape. Anyway, when we hauled her that fall, she looked in good condition, but we decided to jack her up so we could drop out the centerboard and inspect it. You need about two feet of clearance to remove the centerboard. It sits in the keel with a nylon rod that rests on removable fiberglass wedges that are fastened to the bottom of the keel with metal plates. I would say the pivot point is probably 18 inches from the toe of the keel and 10 inches up from the bottom of the keel. We decided to strip off all the old paint and barrier the bottom. We did not find any blisters. As far as inspecting the centerboard, I'd recommend jacking the boat up to give you at least 2 feet of clearance and removing the centerboard. Inspect the slot for damage. If you feel up to it, strip the old paint and barrier coat the hull. That will give you the best idea of what you're dealing with. You can use the narrow rollers to paint up inside the slot. Definitely don't seal up the slot if you expect to sail to weather. Without the centerboard, you will be sailing sideways with any decent wind. Good luck.
If you haven't sailed her yet, I wouldn't even think about making any changes such as sealing up the centerboard slot. We bought our O'day 26 while she was in the water and sailed her all summer before getting a good look at her hull. We did have to trust the seller's word about her condition. He was a local cop, so we felt pretty confident in his assurance that she was in good shape. Anyway, when we hauled her that fall, she looked in good condition, but we decided to jack her up so we could drop out the centerboard and inspect it. You need about two feet of clearance to remove the centerboard. It sits in the keel with a nylon rod that rests on removable fiberglass wedges that are fastened to the bottom of the keel with metal plates. I would say the pivot point is probably 18 inches from the toe of the keel and 10 inches up from the bottom of the keel. We decided to strip off all the old paint and barrier the bottom. We did not find any blisters. As far as inspecting the centerboard, I'd recommend jacking the boat up to give you at least 2 feet of clearance and removing the centerboard. Inspect the slot for damage. If you feel up to it, strip the old paint and barrier coat the hull. That will give you the best idea of what you're dealing with. You can use the narrow rollers to paint up inside the slot. Definitely don't seal up the slot if you expect to sail to weather. Without the centerboard, you will be sailing sideways with any decent wind. Good luck.
thanks
just thanking you guys for your replies. I appreciate it a lot. I will have to hoist this boat to take a look at that board so at least I know what I've got. If you don't mind, I may call on you again with other questions. It is always nice to be able to talk to somebody experienced. by the way, are you guys trailer sailors or slip boaters? I intend to trailer sail for now, recognizing this boat is on the borderline for doing that. Actually, the centerboard question is partly derived from fact that on my only launch attempt so far, the boat snagged on back of trailer and I could not get it deep enough even with 8'tongue extender to get off the trailer frame. I immediately suspected the board hanging free, but the pendant felt taut as if attached and it would not pull up any which made it very perplexing, I eventually winched all the way back on and pulled out. I should have gone under to do a visual to see the problem, but hindsight is 20/20. Now I just wonder what the heck it was hanging on..
just thanking you guys for your replies. I appreciate it a lot. I will have to hoist this boat to take a look at that board so at least I know what I've got. If you don't mind, I may call on you again with other questions. It is always nice to be able to talk to somebody experienced. by the way, are you guys trailer sailors or slip boaters? I intend to trailer sail for now, recognizing this boat is on the borderline for doing that. Actually, the centerboard question is partly derived from fact that on my only launch attempt so far, the boat snagged on back of trailer and I could not get it deep enough even with 8'tongue extender to get off the trailer frame. I immediately suspected the board hanging free, but the pendant felt taut as if attached and it would not pull up any which made it very perplexing, I eventually winched all the way back on and pulled out. I should have gone under to do a visual to see the problem, but hindsight is 20/20. Now I just wonder what the heck it was hanging on..
26 ODAY
I OWN A 26 FTR TOO,1985 ANNIVERSARY EDITION. I HAVE NOT HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO PAINT THE INSIDE OF THE C/BOARD TRUNK BUT DID HAVE IT IN THE YARD LAST WINTER FOR THE FIRST TIME AND THEY SAY THAT THEY DO POWERWASH UP THERE AND PAINT WHILE ON THE SLING. HMMMMM.
I FIND THAT THE C/BOARD IS VERY HELPFUL IN HEAVY WIND WHEN SAILING UPWIND. I AGREE THAT YOU SHOULD WAIT BEFORE CLOSING THE BOARD UP , IT IS ESPECIALLY BENEFICIAL AT THESE TIMES . YPU CAN ALWAYS RAISE IT AS I DO AT TIMES IN A LIGHT WIND OR WHEN I WANT TO SLIDE SIDEWAYS SOME. OR WHEN SAILING WITH THE WIND ON YOUR STERN.
I WOULD SAIL THE BOAT FOR AT LEAST 1 SEASON IF NOT MORE BEFORE I DO ANY THING LIKE WHAT YOU ARE THINKING OF. I HAVE OWNED AND CREWED ON THIS BOAT FOR 7,8, 9 ,YEARS AND NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITHTHE C/BOARD. I DO HAVE TO REMEMBER WHEN APPROACHING MY MOORING TO RAISE IT AT LOW TIDE ,ALTHOUGH I HAD THE MOORING MOVED TO DEEPER WATER LAST YEAR AND I BELIEVE WE ARE SAFE NOW.
I OWN A 26 FTR TOO,1985 ANNIVERSARY EDITION. I HAVE NOT HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO PAINT THE INSIDE OF THE C/BOARD TRUNK BUT DID HAVE IT IN THE YARD LAST WINTER FOR THE FIRST TIME AND THEY SAY THAT THEY DO POWERWASH UP THERE AND PAINT WHILE ON THE SLING. HMMMMM.
I FIND THAT THE C/BOARD IS VERY HELPFUL IN HEAVY WIND WHEN SAILING UPWIND. I AGREE THAT YOU SHOULD WAIT BEFORE CLOSING THE BOARD UP , IT IS ESPECIALLY BENEFICIAL AT THESE TIMES . YPU CAN ALWAYS RAISE IT AS I DO AT TIMES IN A LIGHT WIND OR WHEN I WANT TO SLIDE SIDEWAYS SOME. OR WHEN SAILING WITH THE WIND ON YOUR STERN.
I WOULD SAIL THE BOAT FOR AT LEAST 1 SEASON IF NOT MORE BEFORE I DO ANY THING LIKE WHAT YOU ARE THINKING OF. I HAVE OWNED AND CREWED ON THIS BOAT FOR 7,8, 9 ,YEARS AND NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITHTHE C/BOARD. I DO HAVE TO REMEMBER WHEN APPROACHING MY MOORING TO RAISE IT AT LOW TIDE ,ALTHOUGH I HAD THE MOORING MOVED TO DEEPER WATER LAST YEAR AND I BELIEVE WE ARE SAFE NOW.
O'Day 26 Reply and Comments
Ron,
I have a rebuilt O'Day 26, at least rebuilt from the project boat condition that I acquired it in. This forum has archives. Learn to search them to find past post that will educate you. In the past two years there have been several others who completely rebuilt 26's. They have posted good and relevant information.
When searching for information, understand that the O'Day 26 was an updated design of the O'Day 25. In fact other than 10 inches more in hull length and different forward hatch, you will not find significant differences between your boat and 1983 O'Day 25's. Study the history of both boats to understand constuction, development and solving problems.
When dealing with the centerboard, it is the same as the O'Day 25. That is same shape, weight, demensions, etc. And it is held in there with the same pieces. And it seems that those holding pieces are the same as the O'Day 23. Pictures have been posted of the parts involved. I believe Joe of Mass. land posted a good set of pictures to be found in the archives.
It sounds like your centerboard is jammed down. There are several casuses for this problem. Several have been fully discussed in the archives, most likely for the 23 or 25. Remember that the parts are the same, so the advice will be the same.
The best way to deal with this issue will be sling boat lift. This will allow you to extact the centerboard and repair problems. Since you can anticipating some repair, you most likely will have to pay for the sling twice. That is once to extact the board, and the second to put in place after all repairs and painting are made and inside of the well is fixed and painted. The parts are available from Rudy [see link]! If you have questions, post to forum under new topics so others will see the topic and maybe offer assistance.
Ed K
26
Ron,
I have a rebuilt O'Day 26, at least rebuilt from the project boat condition that I acquired it in. This forum has archives. Learn to search them to find past post that will educate you. In the past two years there have been several others who completely rebuilt 26's. They have posted good and relevant information.
When searching for information, understand that the O'Day 26 was an updated design of the O'Day 25. In fact other than 10 inches more in hull length and different forward hatch, you will not find significant differences between your boat and 1983 O'Day 25's. Study the history of both boats to understand constuction, development and solving problems.
When dealing with the centerboard, it is the same as the O'Day 25. That is same shape, weight, demensions, etc. And it is held in there with the same pieces. And it seems that those holding pieces are the same as the O'Day 23. Pictures have been posted of the parts involved. I believe Joe of Mass. land posted a good set of pictures to be found in the archives.
It sounds like your centerboard is jammed down. There are several casuses for this problem. Several have been fully discussed in the archives, most likely for the 23 or 25. Remember that the parts are the same, so the advice will be the same.
The best way to deal with this issue will be sling boat lift. This will allow you to extact the centerboard and repair problems. Since you can anticipating some repair, you most likely will have to pay for the sling twice. That is once to extact the board, and the second to put in place after all repairs and painting are made and inside of the well is fixed and painted. The parts are available from Rudy [see link]! If you have questions, post to forum under new topics so others will see the topic and maybe offer assistance.
Ed K
26
Centerboard specs for and OD 26
Ron,
Don't even think about removing your centerboard and sealing your keel. I have the same type of set-up on my 222 and this system is great for getting into shallow waters and also being able to claw your way to windward with the board down. My friend Ray owns an O'Day 26 keel centerboard that I think is a 1986, which is the same year as my 222. Ray removed his centerboard to paint it and also the inside of the slot. I can check with him to find out how he was able to do it, as he keeps his boat in his yard during the off season. I was able to do my 222 in my yard by taking it off the trailer, but my boat is a heck of a lot lighter than yours, so I'm curious about how Ray was able to do it. Ray made a sketch of the centerboard with all the dimensions on it, just in case something ever happens to his centerboard. He sent me his sketch so I'm giving it to you. His pendant line is very similar to the one on my 222, but I'm not sure about whether it has a special shackle at the end which connects to the centerboard. Outside of that, his centerboard pivot set up is similar to what I have on my 222 which includes, a fiber pivot pin, two wedges, two stainless steel plates, four Phillips head machine bolts, and two wood screws.
Joe
Ron,
Don't even think about removing your centerboard and sealing your keel. I have the same type of set-up on my 222 and this system is great for getting into shallow waters and also being able to claw your way to windward with the board down. My friend Ray owns an O'Day 26 keel centerboard that I think is a 1986, which is the same year as my 222. Ray removed his centerboard to paint it and also the inside of the slot. I can check with him to find out how he was able to do it, as he keeps his boat in his yard during the off season. I was able to do my 222 in my yard by taking it off the trailer, but my boat is a heck of a lot lighter than yours, so I'm curious about how Ray was able to do it. Ray made a sketch of the centerboard with all the dimensions on it, just in case something ever happens to his centerboard. He sent me his sketch so I'm giving it to you. His pendant line is very similar to the one on my 222, but I'm not sure about whether it has a special shackle at the end which connects to the centerboard. Outside of that, his centerboard pivot set up is similar to what I have on my 222 which includes, a fiber pivot pin, two wedges, two stainless steel plates, four Phillips head machine bolts, and two wood screws.
Joe
O'Day 26 centerboard
Ron,
Here is Ray's reply;
Hey Joe,
I had to put it on stands to get the center board out. I think if you send this guy the pdf file I sent you it will answer all of his questions. Tell him though to make sure it is high enough, I had to dig a whole under mine to get the board out. The interior of my centerboard slot was unpainted and it was fine, very little growth I think the movement of the center board helps keep it clean.
Ray
Ron,
Here is Ray's reply;
Hey Joe,
I had to put it on stands to get the center board out. I think if you send this guy the pdf file I sent you it will answer all of his questions. Tell him though to make sure it is high enough, I had to dig a whole under mine to get the board out. The interior of my centerboard slot was unpainted and it was fine, very little growth I think the movement of the center board helps keep it clean.
Ray
Ed, I am in the process of full restoration of O26, can you help with some details? I need measurements. The inside is bare. Thanks, Marc
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