Newtothis said...

. . . bottom is flush with thin plastc covering . . .

. . . what looks like hose in the slot . . .

This sound like the daggerboard system I had with an F2 Lightning Race board aeons ago.

On both sides of the daggerboard casing there was a bolt encased in plastic tubing. When you wind down each bolt, the tubing distorts (ie gets wider) and therefore creates more friction on the sides of the daggerboard. You want to be able to adjust the daggerboard position with your foot whilst sailing. There should be enough friction to hold the daggerboard where you want it to be; too little and it will move by itself, too much and you can't adjust it.

Drop the daggerboard down for slow sailing and going upwind. Fold it right up for hooning along. The plastic covering on the bottom is to stop you getting an unwanted enema.

If the tubing needs replacing, I am sure that you could get some at an auto parts shop.

Be cautious when making adjustments to these older fittings. It has been my experience that the plastic in them gets very brittle.

set dagger to "stab" , Mr Spock.

I have an old Windsurfer One-Design that has a retractible daggerboard like the Wayler used to. Which I use for lighter winds and freestyle.
It too was loose, I used duct tape for friction in the upper part of the board. The tape lasts about 5 outings, then I put a little bit more.

Fugly, but not really visible.

Hey Jimmy,

I had a similar system on my first windsurfer, I found that when the dagger was loaded up (sailing normally) it would push sideways, grip the sides of the slot, and so not move. If you get close to shore then it will hit the bottom and pivot upwards, so no damage is done.

Welcome aboard, you'll have a ball