centerboard cable reinstall

[ambianceack]

We have a sabre 34 1979. Our centerboard cable broke, we have rethreaded the cable up to the spool that the crank is attatched to but can not coerce the 3/16 inch cable into the hole that is in the spool. We are certain that we have used the correct size cable because it was sent to us from Sabre. The old cable was difficult to remove from the spool which makes us wonder how they threaded it in the first place. Sabre is no help, our only thoughts are to drill a bigger hole. Anyone out there have a similiar problem?

[yotphix]

I used to build winches for the theatre industry and I know that a properly sized cable should be a tight fit. Having said that, let me ask the obvious. Is there corrosion in the hole making it smaller? Was the cable cut with a high quality cable cutter leaving the cable unfrayed and the same diameter at the end as the balance of the cable?

If you do need to ream the hole larger it will likely be fine as there ought to be a couple of "safety wraps" that are the source of friction holding the cable which is always loaded (unless you run aground board down).

Hope that helps a bit?

[knothead]

It sounds like you may have failed to notice a set screw in the side of the drum which holds the wire. Often on an older winch the hex head will strip out. In that event, drill out the set screw and tap for the next size larger.

[knothead]

ambianceack, I'm curious as to how your project turned out.

[ambianceack]

I just got back late last night from the boat. You were right about the key that holds the cable in place. I removed the winch and backed out the key, with an allen wrench. I am still having trouble fitting the 3/16 cable into the hole.
I used a hacksaw to eliminate some of the thickness of the cable and was able to thread a portion of the cable into the hole and then pulled the remainder into the begining of the hole. I am concerned that the entire cable is not fully through the hole as it was when we removed it. We plan to screw down the key onto whatever cable is in the hole and somehow fix a portion of the cable around the winch so that is acts like a wrap.
Sabre has responded that it is the correct size cable for that winch, but funny they did not have your insight on the key. So thank you very much for your help.

[knothead]

ambianceack, glad you've made progress. Here's a little trick. If you have enough cable,(and extra couple of inches), take a piece of tape and wrap the end of the cable tightly, making sure it's in an area that is laid up properly. That is not frayed and its proper diameter. Then take some superglue and soak it into the wire right next to the tape. While holding the very end with vice grips or something, twist the wire to tighten up the lay and let the glue set. Then cut the wire with cutters not a hacksaw. The glue should hold the strands together so that in can be inserted into the drum. Make sure the hole is clean of course. A 3/16" drill bit run in and out should work for that.
Have fun!!

[sailingdog]

I think knothead's suggestion is a pretty good one, as I've used basically the same technique on threading ropes through tight fittings. Never thought to use it on steel cable though.

[ambianceack]

we are going to try it this coming weekend will let you know.

[ambianceack]

hey knothead, all is well thanks sooo much for your insight
ambianceack