BRe Centreboard Screw Loose

[BobT]

I was under "Escape" to see how square she was sitting on the trailer when I noticed that one screw was missing and another almost out from the stainless steel "strap" on the centreboard (see photo "BRe Centreboard Pin").  I tightened the loose screw and it went home tight.  I then checked the others and one was a little loose and one appeared loose but on checking it had sheared, I don't think it was me! Photo shows the screw in place as it was taken before checking tightness.
The missing screw should be easy to replace but anyone have good idea for drilling out a sheared off presumably SS Screw (about 1/2 cm unscrewed)?

At the other end on the centreboard (Photo "BRe Centreboard End") can I confirm that there should be the hook in the board if so why, if not best way to repair?
All the best
Bob

[Jonathan Stuart]

Bob,

From memory, my CB also has that "hook" at the end so it is normal and not the result of any damage. But I don't know why it is there.

That's not good about the screws! Re the sheared one, has the head sheared off the shank or is the screw still intact and spinning in the hole?

[david]

I think the hook is to help you take out the centerboard when it has slipped into the slot after an inversion/capsize. Should not be needed if you use the water ballast 

[Graham W]

I think the hook is to help you take out the centerboard when it has slipped into the slot after an inversion/capsize. Should not be needed if you use the water ballast 

Confirmed from direct experience!

[David Hudson]

On a bayRaider...is is centreboard down, down?

 I hate going sideways upwind!

[BobT]

Jonathan,
Not sure how long original screws are (ran out of time to investigate) but the sheared one "unscrewed" with about  0.5 cm of the thread coming out.

Graham, David,
Thanks for the info ref the hook, makes sense once you know.

Bob

[Peter Cockerton]

The missing screw should be easy to replace but anyone have good idea for drilling out a sheared off presumably SS Screw (about 1/2 cm unscrewed)?

Bob

Two options i reckon, abandon that fixing point and drill/countersink the bracket for a new fixing screw as close as you can to the old one.

Remove the plate from the centreboard, you may find sufficient protruding thread then to use mole grips to grip then turn the sheared screw.

You will probably find that the bracket is Silkaflexed to the centreboard, often screws on Swallow Yachts ( had to change the name quickly then) come as a secondary fixing method.

Peter