centerboard handle installation

[vbutera]

I have a 1964 DS1. The centerboard handle was removed by a previous owner ( the centerboard pivots on a bolt, and hauled up with a line). After a few years I realized that I am missing an important item. I have the item ordered from D&R. Any advice on installation? I am not very knowlwdgeable on this type of work, but I have a few friends who are willing to help.
I appreciate any info you could give me.
Vince

[Roger]

check the archives as there is at least one good article there on how the cb handle works.

[Bob Hunkins]

Here's a link to a couple of photos that may help.
http://www.bobhunkins.com/surprise/archive/000487.html

[vbutera]

Bob,
Thanks for the link. The photo will give me some guidance.
I have never attempted to do anything like this, I have not even done work on my boat other than cosmetic, so this is brand new to me ( and a little intimidating).
The boat is currently on the trailer, so I am planning to put it on some other type support in order to drop the centerboard and work from below. I have some heavy wood benches I think I could use for that as long as it will be stable enough. Is there some other reccomended way to do it?

Once the handle assembly arrives, I hope it will be self explanitory how it all gets attached to the centerboard. Your photo is pretty clear how it should look on the trunk. I also hope that the square hole in the centerboard is still there since it had been adapted to pivot on a bolt.

I'll be sure to post other questions as I need to. I really want to get this done so we can bring it with us to Maine this summer for some family fun!

I greatly appreciate all the help I can get from anyone out there.
Vince

[Nick T]

Vince:

If you need to see how it looks as a finished product, let me know. I have a similar vintage DS1 that's currently in York. I've switched out the original c/b for a new one, so I know what it takes to replace the c/b handle.

Cheers

Nick

[vbutera]

Nick,

I couldn't ask for anything better than that... to actually see it HERE!
Being a florist and it being Mother's day, I am out of commission for a while.
Let me know how we can connect.
Either through this forum email at buteratheflorist@blazenet.net or call my store 741.4226

THANKS!!!
Vince

[Roger]

for working on the bottom of your boat is to careen it.

Here are a link where a picture tells a 1k words.

Careening it is easy, I do it at least once a year to work on either the masthead or hull or cb. I just bottom coated the hull and reinserted the cb this spring having careened it twice. In fact it was so easy to do that when painting it, I careened it to one side when scraping the bottom then off to the other side so that I could work standing up.

http://groups.msn.com/RogerConrad/shoeb ... PhotoID=96

[Phill]

Whenever I need to work on the CB, and I cant get to the Club Hoist, I "launch" my DS in the Backyard.

Get a Couple of extra bodies.

Slide boat aft on trailer till the trailer trys to tip back
get one body on each side, somewhat foward of the shroud attachments
As the third body pulls the up-tiped trailer, the bow persons lift the bow and the trailer slides right out.

With the boat on the ground, I put a 2x4 brace between the keelson and the cuddy top nearest the aft edge of the cuddy for support.

I then tip the boat up on its side and brace it with a 2x6 that holds the DS tipped about 10 degs past 90. CB work is easy this way. I also have done all my bottom work this way. I sometimes roll the boat completely upside down. This is where the cuddy support can help.

When I was younger I could actually launch and tip and brace, solo. (not recomended)

When putting the boat back onto the trailer, place two or three boat cushions under the boat at about where the mast is. This holds the bow higher, letting you slip the rear roller under the bow. Crank the boat onto the trailer, just llike when you retrieve at a boat ramp.

This method has seemed easier than trusting other methods except using a hoist.

You may also be able to get the CB out with the boat still on the trailer. I can it I slide the boat back about 9" to clear one of the cross members

Good Luck

phill

[vbutera]

Roger & Phill,

Thanks for your insights. I thought I needed to suspend the boat while working on the centerboard. Your plans are a whole lot better and safer I am sure.

I have the handle assembly ordered for about two weeks now, but have not heard anything from D&R yet. When I get it and actually begin the project I'll post new questions!

[vbutera]

The old bolts that are currently in place at where the centerboard handle attaches are extremely rusted and look as if they will snap if I try to remove them. Any suggestions on how to work with these to remove them in order to install the new handle assembly?