MacGregorSailors.com

...after hearing an unusual 'clunk' from under the boat, I am in need of a new centerboard.

We were only one mile out of the anchorage, breaking through a few 4-5 footers at the entrance when this happened. I turned to pull the centerboard line up; however, it wouldn't budge. CLUNK... CLUNK...I backed off the throttle from the blistering 4 knots that we were moving and haeded back to the calm water. Fortunately there was a boat ramp that I could get the boat to.

TIP: The boat does not track well with a cross wind while dragging a centerboard.

Standing in cold knee deep water, I was able to cut the centerboard line and drag it up the ramp. It was much lighter once the water drained from it. I quickley scrubbed it down and put it in the cabin. No reason to make a mess of the cabin, right? No leaks, disaster avoided, waves subsided; I dumped ballast and headed to my next destination.
I suppose that it is nice to know that the weak point isn't the bolt through the hull.

I have a 2001 26X and, from the appearance of the centerboard, it was prone to break. There are voids in the epoxy surrounding the pivot hole where it broke.

I suppose this is happening on other boats; hopefully I will be able to get one easily.

Does anyone know of a dealer near Ohio?

Anthony

I am a little confused.
You need a centerboard for a 2001

anthony,26 x,s have centerboards,26ms have dagger boards,i think that it may be a typo as to my knowledge ,in 2001,there were only 26x,s

one of my maintenence jobs this winter is to get under my 2001x and have a good look at the centerboard,i am aware or one other,a 1998 26x that lost its centerboard,the P.O of my boat assured me that mine had been checked.

im thinking of beefing up my centerboard,i will have a good look first before i committ myself.

try blue water in seattle, (800) 688-8626 i doubt a local ohio dealer stocks the part

Had similar problem with my centreboard but that's a 26X99 which was part of a batch problem and fixed under warranty.

The replacement was a locally modified reconditioned board, provided by the UK Mac Dealer; who cut around the hole, fixed a piece of hardwood into the void and glassed/gel coated to match board. Then drilled a hole for the pivot pin.

Here's a photo of the results of the original void problem which caused the pivot pin to somewhat modify the hole, though it never failed in use. I found it when inspecting the CB at winter haul out, after being alerted of the possible batch problem on this great forum.



Cheers
Morris

Anthony,

The only dealer in Ohio is Strictly Sail in Cincinnati. I know they keep daggerboards in stock, not sure about centerboards for the .

http://strictlysailinc.com

The centerboard is fixable with average skills. Search the archives. It will be almost as good as new when fixed. Why waste money on a new one? (IMHO)

What is the difference between a centreboard and a daggerboard? I have a daggerboard on my .

Phil M

Phil M wrote:What is the difference between a centreboard and a daggerboard? I have a daggerboard on my .

Phil M

Centerboard (X) swings down in an arc from a pivot point from within a horizontal 'trunk'.

Dagger board (M) slides straight up-and-down in a vertical slot or trunk.

morris,
I knew that souwester sam lost its centerboard,
so thats two in the Uk,anymore?

bastonjock says:

im thinking of beefing up my centerboard...

I'll go out on a lamb and ask, did you not steer clear and hit ground, so that the edge is now round? Does it cattle on the shank? Cow do you propose to beef it up? Add a rib or steak the flank? Whatever you do, make sure it is not heifier than original. Be tender with it, if the fix doesn't work out, you can always chuck it and buy a new one! And that aint no bull!

...i will have a good look first before i committ myself.

No need for drastic measures, you're among friends! Take some time off before checking in to the asylum! After all, you don't have to be crazy to own a boat...but it helps!!

Looks like it will be around $220. for the part and another $100-$150 for the shipping.

My vacation starts this saturday.

I could repair the old one; however, i saw many voids near the pivot hole that shouldn't be there. I would need to grind away a fair amount of fiberglass to find a good starting point.

I can't decide what to do.

Help!

AnthonyOhio wrote:
I could repair the old one; however, i saw many voids near the pivot hole that shouldn't be there. I would need to grind away a fair amount of fiberglass to find a good starting point.

I can't decide what to do.

Help!

When I redid the bottom paint on my Mac-X, I found my centerboard "rounded" out somewhat at the pivot point. (and as yours, mine also had a significant void space at this pivot hole site). I inserted a 1/2" PVC pipe, and set it with some fiberglass. It is much stronger than original. The stainless steel pivot pin fits perfectly through this PVC pipe, and the centerboard has never worked this well. There is no thumping, and the up and down functions are much easier. Anyway, that was the solution to my centerboard, and it has worked extremely well since.

BTB,

Ida Sailor makes a centerboard made of the same material as it's rudders. They're solid, hole won't wear. They're about 45lbs.