Protruding Centerboard on DS I

[Steve Deturk]

Problem on my DS I was discovered when inspecting howwell the boat was seated in the bunks on the trailer. The boat was off center and the centerboard was sticking out about 3inches. Lever was in the usual up position for loading. This may have been like this for some time and only discovered when I loaded the DS I off center. I hope to be able to adjust it so it's fully retracted when the lever is in the up position.I think that living with it will only eventually cause the center board to be damaged.

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

Centerboard

The original centerboard blade on my boat did this too. The lever is attached to a square bar that in turn fits a square notch in the board. The notch is not reinforced - its just fiberglass. As the notch wears, there is enough play to allow the blade to hand down even when the lever is in the up position. Be really careful as you launch the boat to avoid catching it on the trailer.There is no good answer to the issue. I wound up replacing both the board and the lever eventually with parts from Cape Cod Shipbuilding. I wouldn't worry about it until its really bad, then just replace. I think the total cost was less thean 300 dollars.Justin - O'day Owners' Web

 

[Steve Deturk]

Centerboard

Thanks Justin, I might install marker rods on the trailer fenders to keep it centered on loading. Thanks, Steve