TOPIC:

I have an old Fosrite with a centreboard that insists on coming up when it should stay down. I could replace the bolt, washers and packing but this would be a major job because of the rusted bolts nuts and washers currently holding things together.

Are ther any restrictions in the rules about rope/elastic systems for centreboard adjustment? I am thinking of a simple single cleat on the centreboard case to hold the centreboard down and a light elastic fixed to the mast or halfdeck to help it up. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated!



Silverwood

Albacore 5859

There are no restrictions on methods of keeping the centre board down. If it is a wooden board I suggest a piece of hose pipe screwed to the top of the board when it is up with two screws and large wahers such that the pipe is distorted as it is screwed down and creates friction inside the centre board case.
Most dinghies use this method or similar so have a look around the boat park. If it is a metal plate then the method you describe using bungee should work. The bolt should not be used to tighten the centre board as you can damage the casing by distorting it.

Thanks... centreboard is grp so has probably been replaced at some stage...


Graham

It may be helpful to look at the picture of the centreboard brake indicated in Speed Sails' on-line shop page - see link:



shop.speedsails.co.uk/index.asp?selectio...ittings&countstart=0



Happy sailing



Derek and Marilyn

Silverwood, check out the Canadian Albacore website, subheading Boats then to Albacore Rigging Project. Recently updated is "adding a centerboard downhaul."
You can adjust the board up or down while sitting out. I looked at it in another boat and thought a lot it was a lot of stuff for little benefit. After trying that system I wouldn't go back.

Thanks Chris

Diagram looks very neat and interesting and could well be adapted. The other option is to have the elastic pull the board up with a cleat to use for full/half/quarter centreboard etc.

I an hoping to get to the Southerns at Parkstone Sunday morning and have a look at some boats for any other ideas!

The centerboard downhaul is not a binary system it is adjustable for all points of sail. The board stays in one place because of 90 degree turns in the pennant that give it just enough friction to stat put. No cleat is necessary. You never pull on shock cord, that is only the continuous take up.