DaySailer.org Forum

Hey all -

I have recently acquired an old DS I (approximately '59 vintage) and all the encompassing repair fun. My new treasure was deprived of a centerboard and I am now beginning the creation process. I have done a fair amount of research thus far, but have failed in finding definitive information regarding the type of wood to use for the centerboard core.

Right now I am leaning towards Redwood because I can get it rather easily and cheap.

I have also though of using a Cedar but I am not sure as to which type of Cedar would be best.

Spruce crossed my mind as another possible solution but I have only been able find construction grade thus far.

Any thoughts or recommendations?

Thanks.

Spruce, I think, is the wood of choice.

I built my last one out of western red ceder. I cameout really nice but in hindsight I would have put strip of harder wood on the leading edge.

Steve

A harder wood for the leading edge - good idea. I will incorporate that.

Has your board taken serious abuse?

The abuse comes from over rotating the board forward into the front edge of the trunk.

Steve

Check out this site.

http://www.philsfoils.com/Designs/DS.html

Gus
DS 11100

Dave Misunas wrote a great article on the subject, in case you haven't read it. I have a copy available here:

http://www.bobhunkins.com/mt-archives/000020.html

I used spruce in my boards, mostly because my boat is heavy. If your boat is light, a heavier wood would be better, so long as you don't exceed the 25 lb limit.

The spruce I found was mast grade, quarter sawn, with very tight rings so I didn't need to do the trick of ripping the piece and alternating the grain sections.

Gus - I have checked out phil's foils a few times now but would rather craft the centerboard myself (mostly because I enjoy the challenge). Thanks for the link anyways.

Bob - The Dave M. article posted on your website was the catalysts for me finally deciding I could/would build one myself. The PDF's on your site have been extremely helpful. Thanks for those.

Unfortunately, I have no idea how much my boat weighs since I have only just started working on it. I was going to use an ash or maple for the leading edge based upon swiftsail's recommendation and a softer wood for the the rest of the board to save money/weight. In the end, I wasn't able to find decent spruce in my area and decided to make the whole thing out of ash (found a good price on ash). I am going to be really close on the weight limit of 25lbs. - I plan to replace a section of the ash with foam prior to fiberglassing if I don't make it.