Help!

pmpetracca

New Member
I got a case of smaller-boat-itis and just purchased a 1985 14.2 (sail #546).

I am having a bit of difficulty figuring out how the control lines to the centerboard are rigged. I have two lines on either side of the cockpit, through cleats and blocks that attach to the centerboard. There is also a shackle on the blade of the board, but can't figure out what attaches to it and where. The original owners manual shows a very vague diagram of rigging the boat and no description where the centerboard is concerned. There is a list of running rigging in the back that references a shock-cord for the centerboard.

Is anyone able to give me a description of how to rig the board, how it operates, and maybe a pic?

I have a theory that the shock cord pulls the board aft, by rigging it to the main-sheet post, with tension and the two lines are for dogging the board down at various heights from full down to full up, but I want to be sure.

Thanks in advance for any help.
 
some answers

I do not have pics but will try to describe what you have.

First the shackles you see are to attach the looped end of the hiking straps for your feet. You may or may not wish to use these. I also use them in my boat to attach the bungee hooks for the centerboard. By the way the other end of the hiking straps which have no loop are attached through the flat metal straps toward the bow of the cockpit. The way to hook this end of the hiking strap is to make a loop of the strap and pass it through the metal strap. Then take something like a wooden dowel and slip it into the loop. The hiking strap is now secured and can be adjusted.

As to the centerboard I have found you can use either end of the line to raise the center board. There is no real trick to it but I have found I often need to push hard with my foot when I am either lowering or raising it to get it fully into position.

I hope this helps.
 
shockcord

Thanks...I've worked out the hiking straps...need to replace webbing.

What about a shock cord attached to shackle on the centerboard that pulls it aft...where is the other end attached??

:)
 
I just attach one shock cord to one shackle and the other to the other shackle. If you only have one shackle I believe you could attach both shock cords to the one. I you only have one shackle you could find a hook or shackle of some kind at a hardware store or boat store to attach to the 'main sheet riser' (not sure if that is the right term).

Also, I have found the boat is light and so using your own weight placement is very important and can require quick timing if winds are shifting or gusting.

Happy sailing.
 
The aft end of my centerboard bungee is attached to the transom below the hiking strap. My boat didn't come with one so I found a suitable replacement at Lowes. It's the red 4-footer found in the bungee aisle and comes in a pack of two (I think), so you have an extra for the ditty bag.

Hope this helps!
Jim
 
Thanks...

...I found a 4' that I looped from the mainsheet post through the centerboard shackle and back. Will trial and error it tomorrow.

Also...REI is a great place to get 2" webbing by the foot for hiking straps!

Best to all...hopefully it will be a short service at church tomorrow morning!
 
Hiking Strap Source

I bought my replacement straps from Strapworks.com. They cut the three pieces to length and sewed loops in the front two. The cost was about $15.00 with shipping and they sent it out in two days.
They recommend heavyweight polypropolyene and offer a buncha colors, I choose a light brown since it went pretty well with the boat color. :)
 
The 3/8" X 4' bungee attaches to the top of the centerboard, runs under the tower that holds the main sheet cleat, then attaches to an eye bolt at the back of the boat. I have attached pictures of the setup on my factory stock 1987 model.
 
Thanks for all the HELP!

All rigged, tied down and ready to roll....first time out tomorrow.

Fastest turn-around from purchase to water for me ever.

Anyone know if it is in bad taste to wear shorts and haul your boat to early mass??

:)

Best wishes to everyone for a safe remainder of the weekend.

Patrick _/)

#546....currently unnamed
 

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