Rudder rope replacement

[Jonathan Stuart]

Matt has produced an article about how to replace rudder ropes and I have added this to the Library. You can fine the page at: http://www.swallowyachtsassociation.org/?page_id=1246

[Julian Swindell]

This is good Jonathan. I add a reply on aspects I found when I replaced my rudder lines last year. What I would really like to know is how on earth do you replace the  centreboard lines on a BC20? I keep dreading the  day one of mine breaks.

[Jonathan Stuart]

Julian,

Thanks for adding your comments. I asked Matt about the BC20 CB and this is what he said:

"The rope on the centreboard of BC20 should be exactly the same. I think. It was a long time ago but am pretty sure we used the same method."

Hopefully that helps!

Jonathan

[Julian Swindell]

The question is, how to get the centreboard out! Not sure it can be got out from the top the trailer gets in the way of dropping it out of the bottom. I'll have to find out one day, I'm sure...

[Peter Taylor]

Hi Julian,

I've just "lifted" the CB out on a line drawing of the BC20! Assuming at least one rope is attached and the boat is afloat then it can be lifted vertically, moved aft, and rotated to get it out of the case and back through the companionway. It was really easy on paper, I'm relying on yours to need doing first so you can find out just how hard it is in practise, and tell us all how to do it (and not to do it?)!

Having got it out the problem will be getting it back in in the correct position so the bolt holes line up - don't ask me how you achieve that!  I always struggle with that when replacing the much smaller and lighter CB for my Seafly dinghy.  With Seatern I might careen her on a muddy bit of foreshore... it might be easier than trying to support the whole weight of the vertical board while lining it up.

Peter
 

Peter

[David Hudson]

I think we have drifted somewhat from the back of the boat but for centreboard work, I wonder whether; with suitable padding, (inflatable?); it might be possible to tip a Swallow onto its gunwale by pulling the mast horizontal. This would ease work on its centreboard bits.

A question for Matt but a process we used to rig foresails and tuning centreboards on smaller dinghies.

David

[Julian Swindell]

Bearing in mind that the pivot bolt for teh centreboard is below the waterline, I am not too sure that taking it out afloat is all that great an idea. If I ever have to do it (shudder) I think I will get my marina to lift me out and pop me, (or her rather) on a cradle, as they did last year, when I was towing her down to Mylor, as shown below. But they don't do it for free...

Peter, do you have a lines drawing for the BC20? I would love a copy if you do.

[Graham W]

Continuing slightly off topic, another possibility for getting at the underneath of the centreboard is to winch the boat (very) slowly off the trailer until it pivots and the bow is pointing in the air.  A bit precarious but it works on my BR20 when I need access.

[Peter Taylor]

I will get my marina to lift me out and pop me, (or her rather) on a cradle

Actually getting the boat yard to put the boat on a cradle or legs high enough to drop the board out would indeed be the simple way! It should also be possible to use a motor hoist or similar (or block and tackle hung from the mast compression post?) to lower/lift the board from/into the slot.  It would cost but not something one would do too often (I hope).

I've emailed re. drawings,
Peter

[Julian Swindell]

Looking at the profile drawing, the pivot bolt for the centreboard isn't in the cabin, it is through the keel under the boat, so no risk of leaks then. I will just have to hold my breath, swim under the boat and reinstall the board, bolt and nut by feel in about 40 seconds, whilst threading both ropes up through the compression post.  Piece of cake really, don't know what I have been worrying about.

[Andy Dingle]

Julian, Peter - After studying my manual, it seems that with the BC23 as well there is little option but to have the boat lifted in slings to release the centreboard through the bottom of the boat. Strangely enough, all the cordage on my boat is Dynema apart from the centre board strop (and sheets), which I would have thought would be the best place to use it.

I considered one of these:

http://www.scubabreather.com/Uses.html  .. No!? 

Again I would be very keen to hear from anyone who has actually done this.

Regards

Andy

 

[Peter Cockerton]

The first boat i owned (eventually in my own right after partner bought out) was a Sailfish 18, these boats had a wind up keel which if wound to far had a habit of falling off. I bought the Sailfish 18 without a keel and after purchasing the available outer shell for the keel and a new stainless rod assembly i had welded a steel tank the shape of the inner keel. After collecting the required amount of lead and a suitable vessel to melt it in i managed to build a new keel.

I mention this because the keel had to be inserted into it's casing from under the boat, so i asked a friend who managed a small industrial unit for a loan of his fork lift, with lifting slings strategically placed the boat was hoisted into the air and lowered onto pallets whilst i positioned the new keel.

So an alternative perhaps to struggling and expensive Crane lifts especially if you live miles inland away from marina's like i do.