Association Forum - Centerboard Friction Reduction

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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

Centerboard Friction Reduction

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528
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USA
181 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/08/2007 : 11:06:20

I always took the high loads for granted until the recent topic looked at the system. What I found were a couple key points for a big reduction in friction. The first, I shortened the exit tube due to obvious wear. The second was surprising. We have all found previous owner and even installer errors over the years. The raising line in the cockpit ran over the top of the roller and then cleated below. That will bind the raising line against the top of the casting and fiberglass mold. There is a very small clearance area where the line exits. If you run the line under the roller, it will align without chafe. I always sat with feet against the bulkhead to raise the centerboard. Now, it can be done sitting or standing. There is a welded "pinlike section" on the bottom of the casting which should prevent line wear when cleated. The friction reduction was at least 25%. You will also notice a piece of blue water noodle in the top of the exit tube. This is custom cut.

(read trial and error) This eliminates the splashing up into the aft berth. Be sure to leave a small gap where the line exits, so it doesn't pull the foam out when raising. Hope this helps.

Foam splash guard and chafe-free line movement.

Worn exit tube from line chafe.

New routing of raising line.

All clear in a small space.

Edited by - 528 on 06/08/2007 19:06:12

jlannutti
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USA
102 Posts

Response Posted - 06/22/2007 : 06:29:03

528,
When I first bought Gracie this past winter and she was up on stands I was very concerned about the effort required to get the keel up...almost impossible. I freed up the rollers, replaced the cable with Vectran line and the wire block with a larger line block. It made it possible to get the keel up easier but with still a great deal of effort. Once it was in the water it was even easier and now that I sailing her 3 or 4 times a week it seems to be freeing up even more.(or I'm getting stronger) I can easily get the board up without positioning myself in the middle of the floor and sitting down. THAT BEING SAID, my line goes over the roller. Today or tomorrow I'll give a look and perhaps consider your remedy, Thanks!

Edited by - on

528
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USA
181 Posts

Response Posted - 06/22/2007 : 15:36:05

Joe, I just looked in the boat manual and it actually does show the line going under the roller. I figured that was the intent after a closer look at the casting, sure enough. Safe sailing.