Hello, Having asked for advice on the net concerning my wayward centerboard pin and having received several suggestions from many people including Montgomery boats (Thanks Bob!) I thought I would describe what I did.
PROBLEM: Center board pin keeps working its way out due to use and most likely, trailer vibration. SOLUTION METHOD: Modify pin and use marine grade epoxy SOLUTION PROCEDURE: 1. Shorten (if necessary) the steel pin so that when inserted back into boat the depth on each side is no greater than @1/16". This is unfortunately a 'rough cut and then fine grind' procedure as you want as much pin to hull contact as possible. 2. After correct pin length for your M - 15 is determined, remove the pin and seriously rough up the ends where they contact the hull. I used a grinder to put @1/32" deep gouges around the ends. This is to give the epoxy something to grab on too. Those of you who have access to a lathe and a knurling tool could a more elegant job of it...even make up extras to sell on the net...but I digress. 3. Insert the pin back into the boat through the center board BEFORE you apply any epoxy. You want to epoxy the pin to the hull, not the center board to the pin. 4. Push the pin completely through one side (don't forget the center board) so that the ruffed up end is showing through on the other. Coat the hole and the exposed pin end. Now push the pin back through the hole till the other side of pin is exposed and then coat the exposed pin end and the hole on the other side of the boat. Next push the pin back in till the recessed depth on both sides is equal. 5. Let Dry completely. I let it set two days. 6. You can finish sand smooth as the spot is under water and the dark spot won't be seen or you can be anal about it (like me) sand the area with 80 grit paper, fill with Bondo light activated fiberglass repair (the cream colored one matches the boat color pretty good) and then sand smooth. There will still be a dark spot but it will not be as obvious. RESULTS: I have just completed a round trip from Moscow, ID to Ogden, UT (GPS 924 miles) with sailing on Cascade Lake, ID and Bear Lake, UT which translates to a trip total of well over 1000 miles. There is no cracking evident so I must judge the repair a success. I will report back if and when the repair fails. MATERIALS: Bondo brand light activated fiberglass repair Ace Marine grade epoxy Various grades of sand paper Hope this helps those with similar problem. And again thanks to all who sent me suggestions! Vince and Sharon Himsl M-15 Duet P.S. I sure hope I don't have a need to remove the pin... _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats
