Just saying hello. I have been given an old Solo which is in need of some tlc so it will be a winter project. I've never had a Solo before my usual craft is a Laser which I am getting far too old for. We have had a couple of Graduates and I've recently bought a Mirror for the grandchildren - though they're a bit too small for it just yet.
The aim is to get her back into sailable condition. I know she's an old boat and won't be fast but I'm hoping she'll be more comfortable than my Laser.
The deck has been varnished at some stage which has let water in and there is a patch that has delaminated slightly. It had gone soft but I've been using a model railway trick and dribbling very dilute PVA with Isopropyl Alchohol into the wood. Two treatments so far and it seems to have hardened up quite significantly. If I can get it firm and then add some slow epoxy it might save cutting holes in the deck.
My garage is full so I'm working under a tent.
Success! I managed to knock it back into just the right place to withdraw the centreboard.
Any clues how to remove the centreboard? I have removed the bolt but the centreboard seems to be still pivoting on the same point. If I stick a finger into the hole I can feel a metal tube. I'm wondering if this has moved to one side so it's still preventing the centreboard from lifting clear.
Thats not sealer-
that's " character"😁
Welcome Paul- good choice! I think you will be surprised how many times you can beat the " plastic jobs" by starting properly and sailing in the right direction!
Worth looking down the centreboard slot to make sure the surface hasn't been gouged by pebbles etc over the intervening 50 years (!). I find simple righting lines useful and changing at least the kicker to continuous transforms things- sorted with a spliceable line and a dig through your " bits" box