Spindrift DS1 center board problems

[Guest]

I'm a new sailer with an 84 spindrift DS1. The center board hole seems to be becomming rounded out causing the center board handle has a lot of play before any up action occurs. One post on this board mentioned a bronze insert in the center board. Mine doesnt seem to have one. Maybe only on O'day? Short of replacing the center board, does any one know if a kit is available for retrofiting the hole with some sort of metal insert? Another question is what is the purpose of that hole and metal clamp forward and left of the centerboard trunk on my boat? Unfortunatly this hole collects brownish water which I fear is coming from my boats core.
Thanks for any info
Phil

Phil Maher (philmaher-at-hotmail.com)