Thread: Centreboard mechanics

It would be helpful to supply pictures or sketches of your arrangement. I use a shaft system on larger craft. In most cases, the board isn't going to rise back into the case underway, as it's usually pressed against the side of the case, making enough friction to hold it down.

Half yer luck Colin, Sixpence (Yellowtail) is supposed to have a steel plate for the centreboard

Richard

Colin
What I did to solve this problem when I built my Phoenix III was to cut a section out of the top of the board 50mm long 25mm deep then obtained some 25mm OD rubber hose which I then cut 50mm to fit neatly into the cut out it is held centrally by two SS screws and washers when the screws are tightened the hose flattens and presses against the case sides. This friction arrangement can be adjusted by tightening the screws and using the rod the the board can be moved up and down. This arrangement has been in place for four years now and works like a treat. No need for weight in the board and best of all no tackle to pull it up or hold it down. The simpler you rig your boat the more fun you have sailing.
Paul

Hello Paul,

Thanks a million for the centreboard rod photo - it is just the thing to get me past my current fit of procastination.

It also set me straight about attaching the rod to the board - simple is best. I've lost count of the variations that I've been mulling over.

I've also looked up your old Phoenix III post and seen your build photos - also a great help, thanks.

If you don't mind, while I've got you here, I'd like to ask about your foredeck for future reference. In the photos it looks like a single piece of ply can accommodate the complete curves in the deck beam profile and the lines of the gunwales. Is that what I can look forward to?

Thanks again,
Colin

Colin
6mm in a single piece can be installed on the foredeck without too much trouble as you will have the external gunwale installed and have something to clamp to. Any other queries about the build don't hesitate to contact me. Paul

A centreboard in a 15ft boat will be almost impossible to move while sailing on the wind, but will tend to float up while not moving or running downwind. A good compromise is to ballast the board with internal lead to a neutral buoyancy and have a bit of friction to hold it in place. When afloat, the ballasted board will move easily up & down when you want it to.
You will have to provide a means of holding it up while out of the water.
Cheers
Graeme

Graeme
What you say is correct for a conventional shaped board. With the Phoenix III board due to its shape when it is at it's maximum depth there is still a large proportion of the board still in the case above water so the board does not reach positive buoyancy. Also with such a large area of board still in the case it is a lot stronger in resisting side pressure.
Once the board is fully retracted the rod lays forward on the top of the case and as it pivots at 90 degrees has a locking effect it is also secured with a tie but only when trailering.
Paul

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Originally Posted by Green Ginger

Colin
6mm in a single piece can be installed on the foredeck without too much trouble as you will have the external gunwale installed and have something to clamp to. Any other queries about the build don't hesitate to contact me. Paul

Paul,
Thanks for the reassurance. I was pretty optimistic after seeing the graceful twists and curves that developed in some of the cut out bulkheads.
Colin