Weighted Daggerboard

[wayne p]

delevi This is my firist time posting on this site. Have been reading for years my "M" is 2003 #53 I think. Your new rudders look great, I have the stock IDA rudders, this is my first summer using them on the boat. They make turning so much better sailing and motoring. I am thinking of getting a weighted daggerboard, could you answer some questions for me? How are you lifting and lowering the daggerboard? Did you have to beef up the plate and roller? It would be great to see pictures of the above if you have any. Thank you for your help and for the great work you are doing by trying new things on your boat that help us all with our boats.

[delevi]

Hey Wayne,

Welcome aboard. I use the starboard winch to raise the board. I have a Spinlock XPS rope clutch installed about a foot forward of the winch, so I keep it in the locked position while raising. It does take some effort pulling the 170 pounder but it's doable; 3 wraps on the winch. To lower, I make sure to have the same 3 wraps around the winch, hold the line firmly and open the rope clutch. Then gently ease out the line. The tension on the winch and the fact that it won't rotate counter clockwise gives plenty of grip to slowly lower the board without much effort, however, one must exercise care and not let the line slip out of your hands, otherwise the thing will drop rather fast. I always wear gloves. Raising is certainly much more effort than lowering. I did beef up the plate, not the roller. I used four Stainless Steel pieces, about 4 inches long and 3/16 thick. I drilled four holes through the existing plate, near the corners, just a bit in from where the plate rests on the deck. I drilled through the four pieces and mounted it with screws, basically adding surface area with steel to give added support to the plate. The other two I cut a bit shorter and mounted them under the rod which holds the roller. The same four screws run through both sets of plates, basically sandwiching the existing plate. The lowers need to be shorter so they clear the DB opening. These lower plates give support to the rod holding the roller, since it's simply welded to the existing plate. So far, so good. I hope this helps. Please post with your progress and experience on your M Cheers.

Happy Sailing,
Leon

[mtc]

I did beef up the plate, not the roller. I used four Stainless Steel pieces, about 4 inches long and 3/16 thick. I drilled four holes through the existing plate, near the corners, just a bit in from where the plate rests on the deck.

Leon,

Did you post pics of your mods? Would love to see them. Been considering rudder and DB mods.

Michael

[baldbaby2000]

Leon,

I too would like to see photos. I'm thinking of adding even more lead to my keel.

[delevi]

I'll take some photos & post.