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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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centerboard weight?

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mdidomenico
1st Mate

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71 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/24/2014 : 18:45:50

Today on my (new to me) Cat 250WB, i loosed the centerboard sheet in the cockpit to lower the centerboard for paint. however, i was unable to pull it back up using the sheet.

the centerboard moves freely (i can wedge it up and down with a stick from underneath). the double sheeve block and tackle turn more or less. the whole assembly could probably use a good scrub down though.

my question is, should I be able to pull the centerboard back into the slot while on land with the sheet, or is there insufficient leverage in the cabling to pull the centerboard up without the buoyancy of the centerboard in water.

i tugged pretty hard on the sheet, but stopped when it felt like something was going to break. before i try to investigate what might be sticking i just want to make sure i should be able to do this

Edited by - on

CJRoxs
Navigator

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USA
114 Posts

Response Posted - 05/27/2014 : 05:52:01

It shouldn't be an issue to pivot the board up when out of the water. I just had my boat out and the centerboard pivot pin reworked. The CB was not that heavy, maybe 100 lbs. Also, I don't believe the CB has much, if any buoyancy. Did the board go up easily when the boat was in the water?

Edited by - CJRoxs on 05/27/2014 05:55:12

mdidomenico
1st Mate

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71 Posts

Response Posted - 05/27/2014 : 06:56:23

I can't say. I only just got the boat and it's not been in the water yet.

I was able to lift the board by push on it with my hands over the weekend. it appears the sheaves in the slot are turning somewhat.

I think the tackle in the cabin is binding under tension somewhere. when i lifted the centerboard underneath my helper was able to pull the tackle tight in the cockpit. but without me lifting underneath it was impossible.

this coming weekend, i hope to get in the water, but while we're up on the travel lift, i'll have a better look at the sheaves in the tunnel.

at least now i know it should be possible to lift the board up and down on land with the sheet. which means I probably have a mechanical failure somewhere...

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bear
Admiral

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USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 05/27/2014 : 07:32:52

I would take a good look at the pulley up in the tunnel to make sure it is turning with the cable. I don't remember reading if you disconnected the cable from the centerboard and see if the tackle moves with the centerboard disconnected.

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SailAway
1st Mate

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USA
46 Posts

Response Posted - 05/27/2014 : 09:46:59

mdidomenico, I have some similar concerns as you. I too just purchased a 2002 C250 WB and the centerboard is difficult to raise. I have to wrap the line around my hand a few times and use manly pull to get it to move. There is no possible way my wife could raise it. I pointed this out to the broker and he said that because of the attachment point, it takes more of an effort to raise. Being new to this type of boat, I believed him.

So, now I'm wondering, just exactly how much effort should it take? Should my wife be able to pull the CB up?

Greg

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bear
Admiral

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USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 05/27/2014 : 15:27:52

Take your spouse out of the raising the centerboard. Been there, done that. It's not worth the after effect. It's bad enough getting some spouses to sail, no sense making it uncomfortable.

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SailAway
1st Mate

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USA
46 Posts

Response Posted - 05/27/2014 : 15:52:27

Yeah, I agree. I never intended to give her that job. I was just using her as an example to determine how easy/difficult it should be to raise the centerboard.

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daz
Deckhand

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New Zealand
7 Posts

Response Posted - 06/01/2014 : 14:56:58

When i purchased my 1995 the roller in the tube was broken
The cable would grind into fiberglass if not fixed
I didnt like the system so i put a harken small bullet block attached to shackle ,bolted through into ballast tank
Easily accessible through water inlet hole
The ease of rotating the bullet block and cleaning of turning block above centre board means my wife or 12 year old son can raise it
But like you say keep the misses on the fun stuff

Edited by - on

mdidomenico
1st Mate

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71 Posts

Response Posted - 06/02/2014 : 06:18:31

Turns out, the sheave and turning ball in the keel are okay and seem to be turning okay. It appears from sitting on the hard for a few years a layer of crust wedged in and made them sticky.

after getting into the water and having the dockmaster have a go at it, things seemed to free up a bit. it's still tough to pull the board up/down, but i think that has more to do with the block arrangement in the cabin.

i'm planning to replace the blocks in the cabin from 6:1 to 8:1 or more, just to make it easier for my girlfriend to heave it if needed.

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.