Firefly Centreboard Stops - Help and Hindrance
Centreboard stops limit the movement of the centreboard and help reduce damage to the top of the centreboard case. As with many small Firefly fittings, there is a balance to be found. In some fleet racing setups, removing the stops allows the head of the board to sit further down into the case, moving the front edge further forward and the tip deeper. This can help the boat feel more balanced. For team racing, schools, clubs and shared-use boats, the priorities are usually a little different. These boats are often sailed hard by a range of crews, so simple protection and reliable fittings become more important.
The Rondar Setup
Many Rondar Fireflies were supplied with 6mm bolts and hollow centreboard stops. Neither part is especially robust and together they can create problems. Hollow stops tend to compress, split or fail quickly. The 6mm bolt is undersized and bends. Once either the stops fail or the bolt bends, damage to the top of the centreboard case becomes more likely.
Bolts and Stops
Solid stops will help support the bolt and help reduce bending. They also give a better contact surface and are less likely to collapse under load. If the stops are split, compressed, loose or perished, replacing them is a small job that can help avoid more awkward repairs later.
An 8mm bolt is a useful upgrade however fitting may not be totally straight forward as it will mean drilling out the hole in the head of the centreboard which presents some additional challenges!.
Uphaul and Down-Bungee
The original Rondar uphaul arrangement used a double shackle setup with a 20mm block. The shackles were too large for the block and it is common to find boats with a bent and damaged block as a result.
The down-bungee also benefits from being detachable. If it is left permanently fitted and under stretch, it gradually loses its shape and usefulness. In an inversion, it may not fully stop the board dropping back into the case, a detachable bungee will retain it's elasticity and slow the board down enough to reduce damage, and more importantly, help protect fingers around the centreboard slot.
Centreboard Strop Upgrade
Our Centreboard Strop Upgrade replaces the 20mm block for the uphaul with a low-friction ring. The strop also includes a tail for attaching the down-bungee with a carbine hook, making it easier to detach when not needed.
Protecting the Case
For team racing boats, a couple of toe strap plates can be fitted to the top of the centreboard case where the stop sits. Adding plates to the case does not replace the need for well maintained stops and bolts but will spread the load on top of the case and reduce wear.
Final Thoughts
Centreboard stops can be both help and hindrance, depending on how the boat is being used. For fleet racing boats, leaving them off may be preferrable, however care is needed to prevent case damage. For shared-use and team racing boats, a well-maintained stop arrangement should be considered operationally critical to a well functioning Firefly.
Available from the kSail Store
Centreboard stop and uphaul parts are available from the kSail store:
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