October 27, 2003
Centerboard Handle
Some folks out there have been curious about how the Day Sailer I centerboard control works. I've taken a couple of photos which I hope will help.
The first shows the centerboard handle with the board in the "up" position. Notice the portion of the pawl which is visible at the lower right hand side of the triangular plate. The plate is held to the centerboard trunk by the three stainless steel bolts, which in turn hold the handle against the centerboard trunk. The handle has a square peg on the opposite side which passes through a hole in the centerboard trunk and fits in a square hole in the centerboard.
Hidden in this photograph are two stainless steel nuts on the opposite side of the plate. They are tightened against the plate to keep the bolts from backing out.
Also note the rubber gasket between the handle and the centerboard trunk. I applied a lubricant, in this case petroleum jelly, on both sides of the gasket. I recently wore out a gasket on Surprise and I hope the lubrication will make this gasket last longer and perhaps to provide for a better seal. It seems to have done that so far. and it also makes the board move up and down more easily.
The second photo shows the centerboard handle with the triangular plate removed. The pawl is visible and you can see how it engages the cam on the handle. Note that I have left the third stainless steel bolt in place to keep the pawl in place.
When replacing the plate, I was careful to evenly torque the three bolts, in a fashion similar to when that used when tightening down the lug nuts on the wheel of a car. This ensures the the plate is evenly pressed against the handle.
Posted by Bob at October 27, 2003 06:07 PM