VG20 Centerboard Pivot Material

Hoaglund · Post by **Hoaglund** » Mon Sep 02, 2002 4:49 pm

What is the latest recomendation for the material used for the VG20´s centerboard pivot. My plans indicate that Teflon should be used, but that material is very expensive. I built mine using a form of Polyethelene called UHMW (ultra high molecular weight). Unfortunately, this type of plastic doesn´t seem to hold tension when wedged into the pivot tube with the cross-cut/center screw. I think the material slowly cold-flows or "creeps". I´ve retensioned the pin a couple of times, but I´ve noticed that it has turned in the bore and shifted a bit right or left after a sail. I think Justin Pipkorn used another form of Polyethelene called HDPE (High Density Polyethelene). Is that a better material to use? My existing pin seems to be working well otherwise. Are there any other ways you might suggest that I lock my pivot pin in place? Thanks!

Hoaglund · Post by **Hoaglund** » Thu Sep 05, 2002 3:58 pm

Hi Jacques, It took me a while to find it, but I found a reference from you last November on the old forum. Jacques Wrote: "On the plans, we show Delrin parts and the idea is that they should expand in their holes, they are not supposed to move. " Is Delrin the correct material to use? It is a lot cheaper than Teflon. JH

Post by **jacquesmm** » Thu Sep 05, 2002 5:10 pm

Sorry, I lost track of that message, Yes, Delrin is the best choice.

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