TOPIC:

Hello All,



I'm trying reduce the weight of my boat by a few pounds. Working on the assumption that from the rules...




The hull in dry condition, including correctors, if fitted, shall weigh not less than 109kg(240lbs).

The sailing weight shall be not less than 136kg(300lbs). This weight includes the hull, mast complete with standing and running rigging, mainsail, headsail, boom, sheets, rudder, tiller, centreboard and all normal fittings.






So therefore if the weight of your boat is greater than 240lbs you can reduce the weight of your sailing weight as long as the whole things weighs in at more than 300lbs.





The budget for this...


Mast M2 = 17lbs


Mahogney centre board = 17lbs (weighed)


Boom = 7lbs


The rest = 19lbs

















The question is how much does an upto date centreboard weigh before I start making a new one?





Phil A6936 "Shadow"

Hi Phil, Mahogany isn't the lightest of materials, but if it is to be sheathed and epoxied like the profesional ones then several very lightweight woods can be used. I have made several rudders and like the centre board you must be carefull to keep the proper shape or you could defeat the purpose of the exersise.

I don't know what your crew weight is but, I would guess the saving there could be many times more than the fittings.

Crawford

AL6703

Also worth checking the bailer seals and centreboard bolt washers if your boat isnt dry when sailing. You can end up with quite a few kilos of water in the bottom if these leak (and you get wet feet!).

New board 3.5kgs.

Thank you for you replies gentlemen, I have also made a couple of rudders & centreboards over the years and I agree it is difficult to compete with CNC shapeing. But they don't come cheaply! and i want to buy a new set of sails. I am also in the middle of stripping some of the inside of the boat after stripping the hull last winter. So new bailers are waiting to be fitted!!



Thanks Chris for your reply, that means I could save 9 or 10lbs, so it is worth considering. What are new centreboards made of. I do have some Balsa but I don't think this will be strong enough even if it is glassed.




Mahogany ( Honduras ) 545 Kg/Cu M

Mahogany ( African ) 495 - 850 Kg/Cu M

Cedar, red 380 Kg/Cu M

Balsa 170 Kg/Cu M



Phil A6936"Shadow"

I use red cedar and Yellow cedar.

The majority of the board with red, the yellow on the leading and trailing edges and a two inch piece that picks up the bolt hole parralel to the leading edge to the tip of the board.

It will require some glass, 300grm biaxial is normal.

Thanks Chris, much appreciated

Mr Gin,



ease up on the pasties, you'll soon save your 9 lbs and you can then spend your extra spare time sailing.

Sitka Spruce would be a good alternative to Cedar

Density 400Kg/Cu M

Look for old mirror dinghy booms (the hulls die long befor the spars) or other old wood spars. These can be a free souce of good quality timber if you are prepared to do a bit of work with an electric saw and plane.

Happy shaping



Richard