Centerboard Trunk Leak

[ChrisB]

I have a '80 DS II with the cable system to deploy & retract the CB. The hole in the forward end of the trunk ("Up" cable) is missing the nylon donut that surrounds the cable and covers the hole. As a result on choppy days the hole spurts water into the cuddy each time the hull hits a wave. Has anybody had this problem and found a solution?

[talbot]

Just get a steel-lined replacement bushing that screws into the trunk. Available from any marine supply (West Marine, Defender, etc. or your local chandlery). That will work with steel cable or rope. In replacing bushings, I try to make them as small as possible without binding on the cable/rope. That minimizes splashing.

Roger suggests actually threading the hole and replacing the bushing with a brass or plastic plumbing fitting that goes all the way through the hull and includes an end cap that blocks almost all water from the cabin. See his book on the topic.