Removal of the centerboard - process?

bk3187

New Member
I would like to remove the CB from the boat to inspect, clean and fair. What is the proper procedure for removing/installing the CB? (can it be one on the trailer or only in the water?)

It appears that the CB is held in place by 2 stainless angle pieces which support a pivit bolt. Is removal as simple as removing the screws and extracting the assembly straight up? If so, is this a screw or is there a nut on the inside of the hull (...I can hear the jokes already...) which must be secured.

Is this process included in the handbook?

Thank you.
 
That's how it worked on my 86.

We pulled the boat partway off the trailer and supported the aft end on saw horses and 2 by 6s so we could lower the centerboard. This allowed us to pull the board straight up after unscrewing the 4 screws.

I was really careful taking the screws out and putting them back in. I can imagine how much trouble it would cause to strip one of them.

John
 
Loosen all 4 bolts a little before unscrewing them all the way. This will prevent the threads dragging against the bracket and rolling the fine threads. If rolled or damaged when you go to screw them back in, they want to gall against the nuts inside the hull (very bad for stainless)
Use anti seize when you put them back and just run them to touch then tighten evenly but not too much... they're not headbolts.
It's almost a three handed operation to hold the brackets together and drop everything in place, but once you do it a couple times you'll get a technique.
 
The CB bracket screws were so tight on mine that I had to use the craftsman impact screw extractor. It worked great but bent one of the screws. I did it on the trailer and it lifted out nicely. The only issue was with the really tight screws.
 
Really good thread

Thanks all for a rally good thread. I would have had now idea, and now I know the details and warnings.
 
Mine was simple, I removed the centerboard while the boat was sitting on the trailer. I pulled the four bolts in the floor of the boat, which holds the sheet metal bracket that holds the centerboard. Pull the bracket up and out of the boat and you are done.

I had split my centerboard sailing on/off the beach and repaired it this spring.

-Robert
1989 Capri 14.2
1984 Catalina 22
 

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