Wood pieces from forward end of centerboard trunk

[Guest]

I was inspecting my newly acquired DS2 (hull # xdy10206M79-e-d) this evening, checking for a tight centerboard pivot bolt and feeling around the front of the centerboard trunk (arm stuck thru the inspection port). I found two pieces of de-laminated plywood on either side of the trunk (top and front of trunk) that I was easily able to pull out. The pieces are about 1.5"wide, 1" thick, 7" long each. Anyone know how important these are and/or what they were there for? I'm guessing they were there for support when floor/cuddy assembly was originally installed in hull. Should I be concerned with making new pieces and putting them in?

Thank you

Steve Parsons (ramblerdrver-at-aol.com)

[Guest]

Well, if you stick your hand into that area on my DS II, you may cut your self on the glass. In other words, the same thing happened on my boat, no problems yet from it. The thing to watch out for is that the plywood under the mast-step also tends to rot out, and when it does.....the mast-step may crack right through the cuddy "floor". Mine did, and so I ended up installing an access panel in the cuddy "floor" and then replaced the plywood under the mast-step. At the same time, I also added a roughly 12" square plate of 1/4" aluminum between the mast-step and the cuddy "floor". O'Day put a big piece of pipe (ABS or PVC) under the mast-step, but mine was about 4" too far forward!

Rod Johnson (rjohnson24-at-juno.com)

[Guest]

I had to do the same thing Rod! I used an aluminum plate and a block of oak then epoxied everything down. Had to replace some of the cuddy floor also since the old rotted wood seemed to be captive and I cut it out using my biscuit cutter on edge, hey whatever works, eh?

John Heckman (megjdh-at-widomaker.com)

[KHFlanagan]

I have the same issue with my mast step. (See also subject "Mast Step".)

Roger provided a good photograph showing under the cuddy floor.

I was wondering if any of you (or others) have any tips about the repair or pitfalls to avoid now that it has been a few years since you made the repairs.

Thanks,

KHFlanagan@Yahoo.com