26X Centerboard pads to reduce trunk/CB clearance

[normo]

On my 26X the clearance between the CB and the trunk is almost 1/2 inch (1/4 per side if centered). With the boat raised on a lift the lateral movement near the tip is significant. Some don't like this huge clearance because the board bangs around when at anchor keeping light sleepers awake. I don't like it as it hurts performance on a boat that can't afford it. I made pads for my CB.

I decided to use slippery Starboard. I bought a ¼ inch thick 14 X 30 inch piece from a local plastics supplier for $10. Then cut two pieces to the shape of the CB and screwed them to the sides using small countersunk holes and #6 screws. Had to sand it down just a little as on the first fit check it was too tight to swing freely. Tried it in the water this weekend and the board went down a little slower but ok. Will now remove the pads, apply 5200 and clamp them for a few days. The Starboard rep says 5200 works best.

This may not work well on boats left in the water as bottom paint isn't slippery and the CB may be too light to plow through bottom growth. Of course there is no way I will ever be able to determine if this improves performance and it does remove one excuse but I feel better now.


Next step is to add fiberglass to the CB to create a NACA 0015 airfoil shape.

[Frank C]

I recall seeing other reports too. In some cases, furniture sliders were used as the shims.
I wonder if the self-adhesive ones might work??