Spindrift 10 centerboard stop

[Scott H.]

Ready for a stupid question?  Does the bungee cord attatched to the centerboard trunk seen in the pictures on the companion CD hold the centerboard in a retracted position?  I can't seem to find any diagram on the plans for this.  How does it work?  Thanks for enlightening a wannabe sailor.

[twinckler]

It does for me and my Spindrift 11.

[Designer]

The shockcord just applies friction to the board by forcing it against the trunk. The PVC or better yet CPVC goes around the shock cord for the length of the trunk so that the 1/4" shockcord can't jam between the board and the trunk. There is a 3/8" hole drilled through the rail at the front of the trunk and one at the back of the trunk on one side. The shockcord goes through the holes with a stopper knot underneath the rail. Tension the shockcord by moving one of the stopper knots so that the board will not move up or down unless you push on the board.

When rigging the boat, pull the PVC to go to the far side of the board. It should be tight enough so that the board wont slide down the trunk when you are carrying the boat. The reason I prefer CPVC is that I can usually find it in smaller sizes.

[Scott H.]

Thank you for the very thorough answer.  I am nearing completion and will post pictures in a few weeks.  This has been a great project and I have really enjoyed the process.  I am very excited to get her in the water. 

By the way, today we have an 18 foot gray whale in the Santa Cruz Harbor eating anchovies!