I am relatively new to the class. Since 2020 have a 2017(?) Winder Mk2 whose centreboard has slowly become stuck as it goes down. With friction brake removed, from about 45deg. down (mark 10?) the friction increases to the point (70deg.? mark 3) I can hardly raise it without thumping the handle. Power sanding the board has not helped yet and I am down to the fibreglass. It feels like the case is dished-in about 15cm aft of the pivot. It has been getting worse but has always been stiff. Does anyone have a similar problem or solution? Winder have not responded, maybe because I have it second hand?
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I believe it's a Winder original. I don't know its construction. The white gel coat foil surfaces have only minor scratches in the surface, (e.g. from dirt in the case after capsize). I do not know what DEM is. It does not appear to have any damage or to have swelled. The friction seems to come entirely from the interior surfaces, seemingly the upper part near the handle, but power-sanding these surfaces each side with coarse (P60) grit has very little effect, almost not measurable with my 0.1mm precision vernier gauge. Thanks for your time considering my plight
David, I assume you have a foam core centreboard or balsa? Either way that will need coating to match the existing. It could be a DEM blade, cnc profiled, to get an accurate aerofoil shape. But if you have any chips or brakes in the coating then it might have swelled in the area you are working. I know the FRP S P solos had a pinch point approximately 1 to 2mm, in the fore end of the box, even when new. As I had the pleasure of fitting a new plate to a racing buddies, solo a few years ago, hope this helps, Charlie
Yes, you should protect the hull if the gel is damaged or worn through. Otherwise the hull will absorb moisture and do two things start to delamination and gain weight. Hope that helps you.
Thanks Charlie. I'll keep on shaving then! Do I need to reapply gel coat when I'm done, if swelling of the plate was not the reason?
Some of the FRP Solos have distorted centreboard cases at the fore end. I have had to shave one or two plates in the past to allow them to work properly. They normal get pinched from the bolt hole 50mm to the edge of the board.