Watch out on this one!!!!

[Jeff Wingo]

There is a photo posted showing the user replacing the centerboard pulleys with double pulleys. Watch out for connecting the line to the mast step. One bump on the road and mine cut and the centerboard dropped. I would suggest either putting a steel ring or shackle there or use a single pulley with a becket. Otherwise this is a great idea to make it much easier to pull up the CB.

 

[Michael Stuart]

Shackle me hearty

Actually, my 170 owner's manual shows the CB line attached to the mast step with a D-shackle. I noticed that my boat as delivered to me was rigged w/o the shackel. I showed the dealer the page in the owner's manual at that time and he gave me a shackle, but whined a bit, since they are pricey.

 

[Chuck]

Tied as delivered

When I replaced the pulleys I didn't even untie the line from the mast step. That's the way the boat was delivered. But now that you mention it, I think I will add a shackle. I also use a 2" wide load strap around the entire hull to keep the centerboard in place when trailering.

 

[Jeff Wingo]

Sounds like a good idea.

I agree...mine came without anything. I had a shock cord (dealer supplied) holding the CB up for trailering. I hit a big bump and it let go and the force sheared that line and the CB fell...luckily the trailer has a padded bar below the CB. One person said that they put a 2x4 under the CB and just let it ride down. I like the strap idea better.

 

[Jeff Wingo]

Hey, Chuck...

How did you get those black rubber things off? I feel like I am tearing them apart?

 

[Chuck]

Vice Grips - One Size Fits All

I clamped down on both ends until I compressed the rubber as much as possible and the force was on the nut and bolt head. I admit it was not the best approach, but I figured if they came appart, I could replace them with two small pieces of rubber tubing. I had the tubing cut and ready to go if needed, but for now the factory installed bumpers held.p.s. I already put the shackle on the line. The only thing I am playing with is the path of the line through the blocks. I have now rethreaded it to a criss-cross pattern.

 

[Jeff Wingo]

And here is another GOTCHA

You have to remember to put on a longer line once you have doubled the pulley's. I realized this in the middle of the Currituck Sound...OOPS!