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Those 6 bolts do hold the centerboard hinge pin. The pin is fabricated from 2 pieces of SS angle iron with a SS rod about 1" diameter as the shaft on which the CB rotates. That shaft is welded to the angle iron on one side and threaded on the other so it can be removed from the CB. Those 6 bolts are threaded into a plate embedded in the keel. I don't know the material of the plate, but it's not unusual for the threats to fail when you remove the bolts. If that happens, drill the embedment to the next larger size, tap new threads, and insert larger bolts or use SS lag screws.
Now for fully removing the CB, you'll need to have the boat at least 2 to 2 1/2 ft off the ground (greater than the max. width od the CB plus about 3" 6"). You'll also have to have special blocking at the aft potion of the keel. The reason for this is that you need to pull the CB aft about 2 ft when you lower it so you can get the top part of the CB to clear the pocket that it rotates into when it pivots around the pin. To do this the aft blocking needs to be built like a bridge (i.e., large blocks on either side of the keel with a stout member bridging between the two) so the CB can side in between as you pull it aft.
With it only 12" to 18" off the ground, you can lower it enough to remove and inspect the hinge pin, which is a good idea, since the pin has had a history of suffering from pitting at the weld area. To make it easier, I used a floor jack to lower the board after the hinge pin bolts are removed.
I realize my description may be a little hard to visualize, so if you'd like, I'd be please to discuss it with you back channel.
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Jim Voelxen
Odyssey #191
Home Port: Osterville, MA
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