I bought a used Widgeon two summers ago. No manual. It needs some work. One cleat has let go. The line raising the centerboard has broken. I don't know the best material or methos to use for securing the cleat, and I have no idea how torepaire the centerboard. Help is appreciated.
O'Day Widgeon repair
- Thread starter NaomiMartin
- Start date
Those repairs should be well within a DIY'ers ability.
When you write the "Cleat let go" do you meant the screws that fasten it have pulled out? If so, what type of cleat is it, where is the cleat, what material is it mounted on, is the load on the cleat horizontal or is there a vertical component? I would probably recommend moving the cleat - it doesn't have to be very far but maybe there's a better place for it. You need to understand why it failed.
With regard to the centerboard line the repair depends on the system. I would start by rolling the boat on its side and extending the centerboard all the way and see if the attachment for the line is accessible. If so it is fairly simple to thread a new line (You may need a stiff wire as a leader). Attachment to the board can be as simple as a bowline. You don't need fancy cordage. Just look for something abrasion resistant and that doesn't float.
If the attachment isn't accessible you may need to figure out how to remove the board but I'm guessing that won't be necessary.
When you write the "Cleat let go" do you meant the screws that fasten it have pulled out? If so, what type of cleat is it, where is the cleat, what material is it mounted on, is the load on the cleat horizontal or is there a vertical component? I would probably recommend moving the cleat - it doesn't have to be very far but maybe there's a better place for it. You need to understand why it failed.
With regard to the centerboard line the repair depends on the system. I would start by rolling the boat on its side and extending the centerboard all the way and see if the attachment for the line is accessible. If so it is fairly simple to thread a new line (You may need a stiff wire as a leader). Attachment to the board can be as simple as a bowline. You don't need fancy cordage. Just look for something abrasion resistant and that doesn't float.
If the attachment isn't accessible you may need to figure out how to remove the board but I'm guessing that won't be necessary.
Photos really help. while there may be some folks here that know exactly what your boat is, not all of us do. But since we have all had to deal with issues, we may have ideas that are unrelated to your specific boat. All boats are really just systems put together into a specific boat design.
Looking online - I found this image that may be what you are asking about?
dj
Last edited:
Now I understand the question. That is a complicated centerboard system. I find it difficult to believe that it needs that purchase for a 12' boat which weighs just 85 pounds.
I think part of that system is to hold the board down when sailing because a wooden centerboard can want to float up because of its buoyancy and from the water pushing on it.
I'll speculate that the bushing on the front of the trunk is the up. Assuming a pivot pin on the forward lower part of the trunk that would work mechanically. And I'm noting the limited travel distance the line has which supports the idea that line is attached to the "Top" of the centerboard. I just don't get the line going thru the top of the centerboard trunk.
Among other problems I think the line on top of the board housing would not want to go thru the bushing at right angles to it. I wouldn't assume that is the designed system. Maybe a previous owner came up with that modification because he likes to complicate things. Maybe the OP can come up with something better. I would start by downsizing that cordage.
I think part of that system is to hold the board down when sailing because a wooden centerboard can want to float up because of its buoyancy and from the water pushing on it.
I'll speculate that the bushing on the front of the trunk is the up. Assuming a pivot pin on the forward lower part of the trunk that would work mechanically. And I'm noting the limited travel distance the line has which supports the idea that line is attached to the "Top" of the centerboard. I just don't get the line going thru the top of the centerboard trunk.
Among other problems I think the line on top of the board housing would not want to go thru the bushing at right angles to it. I wouldn't assume that is the designed system. Maybe a previous owner came up with that modification because he likes to complicate things. Maybe the OP can come up with something better. I would start by downsizing that cordage.
@shemandr - No idea if that is the same system the OP has that the question is being asked about. I just pulled that image from a similar boat that is being sold in Wisconsin that had lots of photos - including the one I pasted above. I'm hoping the OP comes back with more info - especially photos showing us what the set-up looks like...
dj