purpose of centerboard wedges?

[donandpaula]

Hi all, first time owner of 25' Oday. what exactly is the purpose of the wedges for the centerboard? to apply pressure to aid in keeping it in the up position? to help center it when it is in the up position? provide "wear pads" so the fiberglass slot doesn't wear?

i'm out of guesses!!!

thanks, Don

 

[HukilauMike]

The wedges support the pin that holds the centerboard. The sides of the pin rest on top of the wedges, which are held in by those two metal plates that you see on the bottom of the stub keel. In short, the wedges are the fulcrums for the centerboard's rotation.

 

[donandpaula]

Hey thanks!!! that simple eh? and I thought there had to be alot more to it than that..

 

[HukilauMike]

Hey thanks!!! that simple eh? and I thought there had to be alot more to it than that..

That's it. The wedges and pin are made of Delrin. I find it amazing how durable that stuff is.

 

[Brian S]

On my 15' daysailer, the wedges are the same concept, but even simpler. The pin, wedge, and mounting plate into the keel are all one piece of bronze, one each per side.