Slightly Different Centerboard Problem

[Mike Basham]

I appreciate the advice and insight everyone has provided regarding sticking centerboard problems. The problem on my 1972 23' may be a little different than what I've read about so far! The CB is a little off-center in the trunk. Between the centerboard and the sides of the (cast iron?) trunk is a layer of really hard paint/rust/corroded material about a 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. On one side, I've been able to scrap out a lot of the material with saws, long screwdrivers, etc. Not much luck on the other side, because the centerboard is right up against it. I still haven't been able to budge it! I haven't loosened the pivot bolt yet. Any ideas, anyone?Also, be careful about too much force on rods, etc., to push the centerboards down from above! I broke the fiberglass post, which goes up inside the metal post in the middle of the cabin for the cable, by using too much force and it leaked like crazy until I could fashion an emergency repair out of the "can be applied underwater" stuff! It did stop the leak! Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[s. goins]

different centerboard problems

gee mike now i have even more stuff to lay awake and worry about finding when i finally get her up out of the water!! best of luck, Susan

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

Pull it?

Mike -I guess I'd losen the bolt and try to drop the board. Obviously, you don't want to break it but you need to fix it to use it so out its got to come.Have you tried a high pressure washer? You might be able to break the seal between the board and the gunk, then drop the board and clean the slot.Worse case, I'd probably install an eyebolt in the blade, pull the pivot bolt, and yank the board out. It would obviously then need repair, but it needs doing before you sail.Justin - O'day Owners' Web

 

[Mike Basham]

Thanks All

Thanks for the advice and encouragement! By the way, the boat doesn't sail too bad with the board up! Winds over 20 make it very exciting, but otherwise I love the way it sails now!I think next steps are loosening or even removing the pivot bolt, and more force from below to pull it down. I will probably raising it up off the trailer a bit more, to get better access. And then come in with the pressure washer. Thanks again!

 

[paul]

I had the same problem

I had the same problem years ago. (1972 Oday 23) Had the yard remove the keel, then drill out the pivot pin and yank the CB. It was stuck in there pretty good,corrosion from the iron keel. Made a new CB with marine plywood, sheets of steel and fibreglass and made it narrower, but have not fixed the corrosion problem in the CB well. Most years I leave the board in one position, some years I leave it off. She sails fine without it.

 

[John]

A Centerboard Repair Experience

Wild - make sure your connection for your center board tubes are in good shape - its one of the places that could allow this boat to sink! I have an '82 23 which has a fiberglass center board with molded in lead at the base (weighs roughly 70-80 lbs). A number of years ago, I had to do a blister job (gelcoat type - sand blasted bottom - West System epoxy). I dropped the board and repaired several blisters and scapped and epoxied the inside of center board trunk in the keel). The slot for the wedges that hold up the board pin (which is nylon in my board) was delaminated and had to be repaired (god awful job). I also had to have the tube (again fiberglass) coming in from the bilge replaced because the cable nearly had cut thru over time (the tube coming up from the bilge was not properly aligned from the tube coming down from the cockpit - check yours). I replaced the tube, had it heavily reinforced with several layer of fiberglass cloth. A metal reinforced rubber hose connects the two fibreglass tubes. I also replaced the hose and doubled up on the hose clamps. I replaced the wire/rope and re-faired the clamp connection to the end of the board. Make sure you have plenty of space for the clamp or it will stick in the tube. Had to drop the centerboard twice to do it right so learn from my experience!