Centerboard vibration

[rjcanter]

I'm a new Daysailer owner (vintage 1968) and I have a concern about a vibration that seems to be coming from the centerboard while under sail (no problem when trawling out of the slip). Can anybody enlighten me about this (and should I be worried about losing the centerboard)?

Thanks.

[gary l. britton]

Good evening. I have a 1966, DS I, and sometimes the same vibrations start on my little boat. The same on my previous boat, a 1974 Sidewinder, 16'. I am told that this is very common on centerboard boats and nothing to be concerned about. It has never caused me any problems at all. In fact, the local sailing club sponsers a regional regatta for the CSSA (Central States Sailing Association) and the name of the regatta is "Hummmmfest". The name comes from the humming ( or vibration ) of the centerboard.

So do not be concerned, to me it just means your getting a little speed out of your boat.

Take care and fair winds.

Gary
DS I, 1966
"Dancing Girls II", #3235

[jpclowes]

Jeff,
If you are at all interested in racing, you might want to see if you can fix that vibration. My board did something similar. When I replaced my board, the vibration went away, and my boat speed increased noticably.

Just something to think about.

[rjcanter]

Thanks very much JP and Gary. I'm relieved to hear that I don't have to worry about losing the board while underway. I don't think I'm a good enough sailor (yet!) to worry about racing performance.

If I could impose on you for one more question: We replaced the port and starboard stays this season and I have a question about tension on the stays. Both stays (and the forestay) are tight with some slight give while tied up to the dock. When underway the downwind stay has a great deal of play in it, almost to the point that it flops around. Is this OK or should I be trying to tighten them down a bit more?

Thanks.

[Roger]

The leeward shroud should be 'just slack' when on a beam reach. If it is not 'sloppy' loose, then it sounds like you have it just right.