Repairing a cracked centerboard?

Brett C

Brett C

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Aug 31, 2015
43
Oday 19 Mystic, ct
I have been sanding my "new to me" Oday 19 and noticed that the centerboard has a crack in it. Looks like it has been that way for a long time. I think it hit the axel of the trailer.

I assume that it can be fixed with resin/ glass and then fared. Does anyone have experience with how to go about repairing it correctly? I have read all the don Casey books and I think I have a good idea on how to do it but would love some advice.

Thanks!
 

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kloudie1

kloudie1

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Nov 6, 2006
10,212
Hunter 34 Mandeville Louisiana
Not exactly the same kind of crack, but gets the repair idea across well.. http://www.westsystem.com/ss/repairing-deep-cracks/
I would open the crack away from the major ding and fair with epoxy paste (micro-balloons or colloidal silica mixed in epoxy) Fair that until it looks like a decent leading edge; kinda symmetrically rounded and not sharp.. match the undamaged edge.. then after that is nice and fair and smooth, cover with a couple of layers of glass cloth to make it strong.. fair and paint.. should be fine!
 
Charlie Jones s/v Tehani

Charlie Jones s/v Tehani

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Mar 1, 2012
2,182
1961 Rhodes Meridian 25 Texas coast
Agree with Kloudie except-DON'T use micro balloons- they are hollow and if sanded, come open, and can absorb water. The colodial silica is the correct additive. BUT- don't let it set for a week after putting it in. Sand it as soon as you can. otherwise it becomes concrete! Seriously
 
J

JTulls

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Dec 6, 2014
89
International 14 and J-Boat J80 San Diego
I agree with the folks above. West System and silica will be your best bet -- there's a west system variety of silica that I've gotten at West Marine. Just be really careful when using the silica since it's terrible for your lungs. Definitely wear a mask and be careful where you open the carton...it'll puff out of it and "snow" everywhere if you're not careful
 
Brett C

Brett C

.
Aug 31, 2015
43
Oday 19 Mystic, ct
Thanks for the help. I assume I have to sand down a bit into the crack and then you are saying fill the crack in with epoxy paste - then basically follow the video. Seems doable. I have always wanted to learn how to do this. I guess I have an excuse now!

I think the centerboard isn't heavy either so I should be able to get it out without much trouble.
 
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