Centerboard Cleat

[psness]

With the cb down, do you tie off the line or leave it free in case it runs aground? If you do tie it off to keep it from retracting under normal operation, what happens if you do hit something?

[Roger]

Speaking from experience, on our maiden voyage, we left it tied down, about 2 inches as we motored to the launch for trailering. We forgot to pull it all the way up. When we pulled it up onto the trailer, the line that is epoxied into the centerboard broke. It was not difficult to repair, but was annoying! Lesson learned. I also know that some models have a short lentgh (12") of bungee cord as part of the downhaul setup. This does give it some kickup if you do hit something. I do find that if you just leave it uncleated, it tends to ride up.

I have tried a regular bungee cord, but it needs something with a bit more resiliancy. I have learned my lesson though, and just uncleat it as I approach shore.

[Guest]

I'm a new owner of an 1976 O'Day Mariner. I don't see any way of locking the centerboard in the down position: Isn't the weight capable of keeping it in the down position while under weigh?

bud mara (rmarafiote-at-yahoo.com)

[Roger]

On a daysailer, the weight of the cb is only 25 pounds, and there are voids within the cb that are filled with air. The cb tends to ride up slightly, especially when moving forward. I don't know what the weight is on your boat; but if it is more that the bouyancy in the board, it may be enough to hold it down.