retractable centerboard

Seidelmann S295

This is the S295 with a draft of about 4.5' I am told and there are no visible parts from the interior. I am about to have the boat hauled out for further observation and would like to make up a suitable copy of whatever size/type/design like the original. Apparently it added about another foot to the draft.

 

As I previously mentioned, my database has limited information about the S295. What I do know is they had a fixed keel version, with a draft of 6' 1" and a shoal version, with it's stub keel and a draft of 3' 3" (board up) and 6' 2" (board down). The fixed keel version was an external lead casting, while the shoal version used a lead filled, 'glass stub and a 'glass centerboard.

These are solid 'glass hulls of fair construction, though their value isn't as high as similar IOR models of the era. Some have suggested a few models were out of Swan molds, though I seriously doubt this. They started off building a nice little boat, but as time went on, they cut corners, the build quality dropped and they became sparsely equipped. These later boats caused their value to drop.

Plans may still be available, though we've learned quite a bit about things, since this company lived and died. Simply, you might consider some improvements to the origional design, if going to the bother of fixing this one.

 

S295

Apparently there is a line above at the mast step to raise and lower it but until it's hauled I have no further clues. Something about a line and a bushing system. I'm tempted to just shape it with rebar and concrete as a permanent fixture.

 

Concrete and rebar would be one of the worst combinations.

 

S295

Well that's good to know. Have to come up with something.

 

You only have a few good choices and the engineer aspect needs to be respected. Get this puppy on the hard and see what you have to work with. Odds are, it just needs maintenance, which might include a new pin and hoisting lanyard. The board itself may need repair, but being 'glass, this shouldn't be an issue.

 

Thanks. According to the previous owner the whole piece is missing. Will be hauling it very soon and will get you more detail. Appreciate your guidance.

 

If the whole board is missing, you'll need to make up a new one and getting a set of plans would be helpful, though not completely necessary. If you know where the pivot was, using the general shape of the case can offer a hint at the board's shape. Hoisting arrangements can be pretty darn simple too. From what I remember about these puppies, the stub keel is pretty significant, so fairly reasonable windward work is possible without the board.

 

Yes that's what the previous owner mentioned. I guess some kind of wooden frame covered with glass.

 

I seriously doubt there's a wooden frame. My understanding is the boat is hand laid, solid 'glass laminate. Given your level of experience with these sort of things (based on your questions and some assumptions), you'll need some help on this puppy, both in design and laminating.

 

Yes. She is located at a marina in Oxford MD and I will be inquiring there tomorrow regarding the haul out and this keel job. Campbell's boatyard

 

Hauling tomorrow. I'll get some photos.