Centerboard optimization opportunity.
Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2018 1:30 am
Hello, and thanks for being here and for being helpful.
I own a dinghy that's likely a DS clone rather than a true DS, but I believe this discussion to be applicable to all DS owners. No member replying so far (at my other thread) has seen a DS like it, due to its molded cockpit. The CB trunk has a tackle assisted shortened bronze DS style handle, and no interior cables. Pictures are on page one of that thread, linked below.
A member mentioned that DS CBs are underdimensioned. Hence I welcome the opportunity to enlarge it. As a guinea pig. Or maybe others have already done this, or know of another......?
This boat's CB is problematic. I concluded the CB needs to be modified for seaworthiness. Also it is undersized. So I may as well optimize it while I am at it. Class rules would not be an issue here on Hawaii waters. However the Wednesday Night Races represent a serious concern. A chance for everlasting glory. Beating against the tradewinds matters.
The trunk can accommodate roughly 51 X 14 inches of board. The board in question now is 51" X 12". The position of the square hole causes about two inches of the leading edge to remain protruding when in up position, and about two inches of empty trunk space above CB when in up position. Therefore I will add almost two inches to the trailing edge.
Since I'll be doing surgery anyway, my idea is to add some area to the leading edge of the CB. Hence my request is for suggestions/advice on how much to add. I suppose I could just add a generous slab, and remove some, or raise it a bit, if it costs me too much in weather helm.
Questions include; Parallel to trailing edge ? Other? How much ? If the board's leading edge is not parallel with the trailing edge, I think it should be wider at the top, (to avoid increasing vibration). I heard that vibration may increase with area added forward of the pin.
The added section would be sacrificial, for avoiding damage to the trunk, should the board meet a hefty submerged object.
(apologies to other members if this has been hashed out before I showed up. I did a search and read some before writing this)
Background on my yellow boat is at this thread, with pertinent CB details mostly on page 3.
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=5641
Thanks again, I appreciate this bunch of helpful sailors !
I own a dinghy that's likely a DS clone rather than a true DS, but I believe this discussion to be applicable to all DS owners. No member replying so far (at my other thread) has seen a DS like it, due to its molded cockpit. The CB trunk has a tackle assisted shortened bronze DS style handle, and no interior cables. Pictures are on page one of that thread, linked below.
A member mentioned that DS CBs are underdimensioned. Hence I welcome the opportunity to enlarge it. As a guinea pig. Or maybe others have already done this, or know of another......?
This boat's CB is problematic. I concluded the CB needs to be modified for seaworthiness. Also it is undersized. So I may as well optimize it while I am at it. Class rules would not be an issue here on Hawaii waters. However the Wednesday Night Races represent a serious concern. A chance for everlasting glory. Beating against the tradewinds matters.
The trunk can accommodate roughly 51 X 14 inches of board. The board in question now is 51" X 12". The position of the square hole causes about two inches of the leading edge to remain protruding when in up position, and about two inches of empty trunk space above CB when in up position. Therefore I will add almost two inches to the trailing edge.
Since I'll be doing surgery anyway, my idea is to add some area to the leading edge of the CB. Hence my request is for suggestions/advice on how much to add. I suppose I could just add a generous slab, and remove some, or raise it a bit, if it costs me too much in weather helm.
Questions include; Parallel to trailing edge ? Other? How much ? If the board's leading edge is not parallel with the trailing edge, I think it should be wider at the top, (to avoid increasing vibration). I heard that vibration may increase with area added forward of the pin.
The added section would be sacrificial, for avoiding damage to the trunk, should the board meet a hefty submerged object.
(apologies to other members if this has been hashed out before I showed up. I did a search and read some before writing this)
Background on my yellow boat is at this thread, with pertinent CB details mostly on page 3.
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=5641
Thanks again, I appreciate this bunch of helpful sailors !