Index

Centerboard, Repair & Modifications

INDEX - Construction,  Pivot Hole & Pin, Stirrup,  Raise the Boat - (Jacks/Trailer, Scaffolding, Floor Jack, Gantry Crane, Careen).
Restore the Board,  Install the Board,  Make Your own Board,
Replace SS Lift Cable,  Install Double Ended Lift Line,  Seized Board,  Conclusion / (Tech Tip B06 Board Performance Upgrade).

• If your board is seized in the up position then you can haul the boat out of the water using your trailer and effect your repairs on shore.  More on this technique below. 
• If your board is seized in the down position, you will have to haul it out using a crane, a travel lift or contact your scuba diving buddy to free it up in the water.  Both lifting options are expensive and most scuba divers can make a case of beer disappear in a flash!  
  (I've done a board lift cable repair under Panache wearing my SCUBA gear and I can tell you the feeling of looking up at the hull is weird.  We all know what a boat bottom looks like, but until you've experienced a boat floating above you, it is like no other feeling.  I liken it to Steve Robinson's famous space walk to repair Discovery's belly tiles.  He commented on a similar feeling).
• If your lift cable breaks you have to replace it before you can haul the boat out on your trailer.

The factory centerboard is galvanized steel plate.  The galvanized coating wears away over time after which the bare steel starts to corrode, swelling and flaking in the process.  The oxidation will continue inside the trunk and the board will get tight as the rust associated swelling continues.  This is a likely scenario for a boat ignored in a slip.  For this reason timely maintenance to the centerboard and its SS lift cable are important.  DO NOT let either of them deteriorate to the point of becoming a major problem, especially if you float the boat where the water tends to turn hard in the winter!  This is a difficult enough repair without being forced to invent some dangerous technique in the urgency of the moment.  Some people remove the centerboard annually to clean the keel slot and inspect the lift cable.  This may be a good practice in salt water.  My experience in fresh water is to inspect the cable for fatigue once every few years.  I have experienced no corrosion.  I suggest you check your assembly before it slips down to Davy Jones's locker or you can't retrieve the hull on a ramp.  TOP

CENTERBOARD CONSTRUCTION - The factory centerboard is made of 3/8" thick mild steel that was hot-dip galvanized by Ace Galvanizing in South Park, Washington.  The 60 lb steel board pivots on a 1/2" diameter SS pin welded to the side of the SS stirrup.  The board and stirrup are housed inside a ~1/2" wide keel slot.  The pivot pin extends across the keel slot, snubbed against the opposite face, thereby holding the centerboard captive within the slot.  The 3/8" thick centerboard is ~1/8" thinner than the ~1/2" keel slot, leaving about 1/16" gap on either side for minimal slop.  The board is raised by a 1/8" halyard grade (7x19) SS lift cable, factory installed,  that must be replaced on a regular basis.  More on this below. 

NOTE - The centerboard is fully enclosed inside the keel slot when it is raised to the top.  It is then safe to rest the shoal draft keel on the bottom without damaging the board.  This is one of the reasons why I moor Panache with the board up, just in case she breaks free of her mooring.  The other reason is the board potentially swinging up, puncturing the top of the keel slot.  The trailing edge is sharp so this is easy to understand.  I have only heard about this potential in discussions on mooring techniques in very rough water.  I have never heard of it happening.  However, I have seen what happens when the lift cable of a ballasted swing keel breaks.  The board swings down, cracks the leading edge of the slot and the boat sinks.  Its a good thing the boat in question had floatation.  I could only imagine this happening to an SJ23!

PIVOT PIN & HOLE (1998) - After removing Panache's centerboard (2002) I realized I didn't have the seizure problem others experienced but I was surprised at the 1" diameter hole over the 1/2" OD pivot pin and considered this to be the source of the vibration. 
(I've always thought the hole in Panache's centerboard was too large to be worn to 1" ID after only 25 years of use.  (See Note 2).  In reading emails from other owners and seeing their boards, it is apparent that new boards are made with this large hole.  I don't know what the factory thinking is but it seems crude.  Silly me thinking this would be a machined installation.  Another thought is the large hole is due to galvanic corrosion between the mild steel and the SS pin.  A Teflon bushing would stop that).
Fortunately the 1/2" diameter pivot pin on Panache showed no sign of wear (See Note 3) and there was no marine growth on the board.  To eliminate the vibration the hole had to fit snug over the pin.  What also bothered me was the roughness of the inside of the hole.  It looks like it was blasted through with a cutting torch.  So I filed the hole round till it was smooth enough to bore out with a large drill bit.  Then pressed a chilled bronze bushing into the hole.  It was the quickest and easiest way to reduce the oversize hole.  An alternate bushing might be an FEP bushing (hardest & toughest of the various types of Teflon).  Use 3/4" OD, 1/2" ID tubing.  Regardless of the material the bushing MUST be installed perpendicular to the blade so the board is parallel to the center line of the hull and can't jam inside the slot.  A bronze bushing is available from an automotive or bearing supply dealer.  To ensure the bushing remains snug over its life, I froze it in the freezer (-20⁰C) to shrink it and heated the board with a torch (to +x⁰C ouch) to expand the hole.  Then I pressed the bushing in the hole and let the two get "comfy" with each other.  After the bushing seated, the pivot pin fit a bit too snug but some oil and twisting quickly solved that problem.  Water will lubricate the bushing when the boat is in the water.  If your boat is in salt water it would be better to use a phosphor bronze bushing.  Panache is in fresh water and never connects to shore power, so the chance of electrolytic corrosion is minimal.  As of 2022 the board still doesn't vibrate.

Hint - Just in case your yard charges by the hour, it is wise to contact an alloy welder prior to removing the board.  This way he can be ready to repair/replace the pivot pin if it proves necessary.  It would actually be a good idea to install a larger diameter pin.  Similarly, find a retail source of bushings if you decide to use my technique to repair a worn hole. 

STIRRUP - The SS stirrup has a flange that protrudes out of the keel slot and wraps around the bottom of the shoal keel, to starboard.  Here two SS lag bolts (5/16 x 2.25)" with a 7/16" head, fasten the flange to the bottom of the keel.  The cutaway profile at right is looking forward through the keel.  The stirrup has 5 mounting holes that line up with the 2 holes in the keel.  To balance the center of lateral resistance, slide the stirrup fore or aft till a new set of holes line up, then screw the bolts in.  Remember which 2 flange holes are used on your boat so you can restore the balance.  The factory used holes 2 & 4, counting from the front.

Once you remove the lag bolts, the entire assembly is free to drop out of the keel slot and the centerboard will separate from the stirrup.  The board weighs 60 pounds so it is not that difficult to support.  If the board or stirrup doesn't release from the keel slot, you may have to pass a sharp hacksaw blade (or use a Sawzall with a round tip blade) through whatever crud there is in the slot.  Once through, give the support plate a sharp rap (fore or aft) with a five pound sledge hammer and a length of flat bar or similar shaped punch.  Be careful when "budging" it with a pry bar as this may crack the gel coat.  A combination of these techniques should break the grip.  To protect against that unexpected drop, leave about 3" of slack in the lift cable to keep the board from falling on your lap.  Things go easier and quicker if you have an assistant inside the boat controlling the lift cable for you. 
NOTE - DO NOT assume the lead ballast is positioned as shown above.  This diagram is only my rendition of the keel.  There is no way of knowing if the lag bolts are imbedded full depth in fibreglass or into lead.  Assume they go into fibreglass in which case you should NOT over tighten the lag bolts.  Doing so will strip the thread.

REMOVE STIRRUP in WATER - It may be possible to remove the stirrup and centerboard while the boat is floating if the 2.25" lag bolts "bottom out" in solid material.  That being the case it shouldn't spring a leak, but I can't guarantee that.  The lag bolt drill hole was measured at 2.5" deep and was solid at the bottom on one SJ23.  I never made this measurement on Panache so can't confirm this.  But even then, depending on the vintage of the hull, the lead ballast is poured (early) or placed (later).

There may be all kinds of reasons why you would want to remove the stirrup in the water, none of which I will list here!  The major problem is how to hold on to the board and stirrup once they come loose.  For this reason I suggest you do this in clear shallow water with a sandy bottom so you have a fighting chance to find the parts.  Once removed, I suggest you immediately plug each hole with a tapered rubber plug or flat neoprene and stainless steel washer pressed against the gel coat using the original lag bolt.  Don't cross thread the bolt.  Either technique allows for a means to seal it underwater or to slow water ingress. 

Installing the stirrup underwater is NOT recommended because water is the bane of all adhesives.  Only mussels and barnacles have solved the problem and nobody yet knows how they do it.  Sikaflex cannot stick to a wet surface.  A Sikkens technical rep confirmed that to me.  Butyl rubber won't stick either.  However Tremco Gutter Seal can stick under water as is used to seal an eavestrough.  Just hold the tip of the caulking gun against the gel coat and squeeze the trigger to force it to stick.  It can be applied to circle seal a bolt hole with a temporary flat plate on top or it can be injected directly into the hole for sealing by a lag bolt.  Be careful with this stuff, it can be messy.  It will stick to your skin and everywhere you touch it, even under water.  Keep some rags handy under water for cleaning.  If you can't find Tremco Gutter Seal, you could temporarily fill the void between the plate and keel with a 1/8" thick layer of closed celled neoprene (wet suit material).  Scrub the fibreglass nappy clean with a Scotch bright pad before installing the plate.  Each lag bolt head could be sealed with flat neoprene washer backed up with a large flat stainless steel washer.  (Some of the neoprene should stick out past the washer).  The neoprene washer would have to fit very snug around the shank of the 5/16" bolt in order to seal the hole.  I suggest smearing a high quality goop over the washer and shank before you take it underwater to fasten the plate.  This could give you a fighting chance to seal the hole.  If the bolt is a bit loose in the fibreglass (take note of this when removing the bolt) wrap it with several turns of Teflon tape.  This temporary fix can be made permanent after the boat is back on dry land when the fibreglass is clean and dry!  If you try this technique please let me know if it is successful. 

CONCLUSIONS - After installing a bushing on Panache's centerboard, it swings freely and no longer vibrates against the sides of the keel slot.  Since 1998, I've experienced no binding and the board is still quiet.

1. WEAR - To minimize board wear always moor the boat with the board up, even if you are in a marina.  My guess is that a board stored in the dark keel slot will not experience marine growth.  That's been the case for Panache.
2. WEED FREE KEEL SLOT - Pull the centerboard up before you sail into weedy water.  This will prevent pushing weeds into the slot as the board is raised, possibly jamming the board in the slot.  I suspect this is more of a fresh water problem than a salt water problem.
3. DAMAGE - Another reason for pulling the board up in shallow water, as in beaching, is to prevent damage.  It is impossible to push the boat backwards when the end is jammed into the bottom.  Don't push the boat so hard that you bend the hardware down there.  There are lift cable issues with this dumb stunt that very quickly change a sane person into one not fit to be amongst general society. 
4. SIDE PLAY - If the board has side play, you could insert a thin UHMW shim between the hull and the centerboard plate, about 1/8" thick and 10" diameter.  The end of the pin must touch the opposite wall of the slot.  Drill a 5/8" diameter hole in the center of the shim such that it slides over the pin.  This should be sufficient to hold the shim against the centerboard.  Install the assembly.  Let me know if it works.  TOP

RAISE the BOAT USING THE TRAILER JACK AND WOOD CRIBS.
 

The most difficult part of removing the centerboard is to raise the boat off the trailer, especially on your own.  Lifting would require three 6 ton floor jacks, stable enough to raise the trailer and boat about 6". 

• GANTRY CRANE - You could use an overhead gantry crane as used in a truck repair shop, or build your own gantry from scaffolding as Paul did (shown below).  Either is very secure.
• TRAVEL LIFT - If you use a travel lift or a crane to lift your boat then this task is dead simple.  Then while the lift operator goes for lunch you get to work!  Convince the operator you will be done when lunch is over.  However, few yards will let you work under a suspended boat.  Most yards will insist on placing the boat on a cradle or on jack stands chained together, which is the safer technique.  If you are going to do other long term repairs while on the "hard" it is best to use a fitted cradle or angled stands chained together.  Then you can work at your leisure to redo the bottom paint and reseal all the thru hull fittings as well, described in Tech Tip B17.  See centerboard assembly above for removal instructions.
• SUPPORT BEAMS - You could park the boat on a concrete floor or hard ground.  Jack up the trailer till the wheels are off the ground.  Slide two strong wood beams under the hull, equipped with form fitting boards to support the hull.  Lower the trailer and roll it away.  The stands must be diagonally braced so they can't collapse. 
• MECHANIC PIT - Alternatively you could park the boat over a mechanic's floor pit, concrete floor or a hole in the ground.  Jack up the trailer till the wheels are off the ground.  Place supports under the trailer frame then release the springs from the frame and roll the axles away to access the centerboard.  A lot of work.  I did this only once when the trailer had a single axle.

Each of these options require a lot of preparation but if you don't have access to a crane or a pit then you have to be creative.  I researched long and hard till I found a safe method to raise Panache on her EZ Loader trailer since she was already stored in the bush for the winter and moving was impossible due to deep snow around the boat.  The steps below list the process I developed to raise the boat on the trailer to "rock" it up, one end at a time.  After all, the trailer frame is strong and the bunk boards provide perfect support, so why not use them.  The trailer had a single axle back then.  Of course the method had to be foolproof, without fear of toppling Panache on her side and crushing me in the process.  The ground was frozen at the time so little fear of a collapse.

SAFETY FIRST - Choose a work location where the GROUND IS DRY, FIRM AND LEVEL TO PREVENT THE WOOD CRIBS FROM SLIDING OR SINKING.  You will have to work under a 3000 lb. hull resting on a 1000 lb. trailer.  Snug up the trailer winch line at the bow to prevent the boat from sliding backwards off the trailer.  Snug up the web straps around the trailer and hull to steady the hull on the trailer.  Finally test the load for steadiness before you crawl under it.  This load can easily kill you.

I made four 2' high (2x4)" wood cribs to support the jacked up trailer frame.  You can see a wood crib under the front of the trailer in Tech Tip A01.  Each crib is 18" square and fastened at the corners with 3" spikes.  It takes a surprising amount of lumber and spikes to make one crib.  While it is OK to use old (2x4)s, make sure the wood is structurally sound and the joints tight.  Secure a line or metal band around each crib (top to bottom) to hold the (2x4)s stack together.
NOTE - If you intend to use these cribs later for winter boat storage, I suggest shortening them to about 1.5' tall.  Coat the "feet" with wood preservative to prevent wood rot and set them on a concrete sidewalk block to keep the feet dry.

1. Using the trailer jack, lower the front of the trailer till the back is as high as it can go.  Then jam two wood cribs under the back of the frame.
2. Jack up the front of the trailer as high as it can go.  Jam two wood cribs under the front of the trailer.  Rest the trailer on the cribs.  (This is the stage at which I store Panache for the winter with most of the weight off the wheels.)  At this point the tires should be off the ground a bit so you can place a wood spacer under them to create a higher pivot point for continuing this process.  I jacked up the axles to add spacers under them to speed up the lifting process.
3. Place spacers under the jack as well because the jack simply isn't long enough to reach the ground once the trailer has been raised.  Then raise the front of the trailer enough to remove the front cribs, lower the front of the trailer till the back is as high as it can go.  There should now be a slight space between the trailer frame and the top of the back cribs.  Build up the height of the crib with wood spacers to fill the gap.
4. Raise the front of the trailer as high as it can go using the jack and add wood spacers between the trailer frame and the front cribs.  The tires should now be slightly off the wood spacers so add more spacers under the tires.  Jack up the axle if you have to. 
5. Continue this sequence till the trailer frame is slightly more than two feet off the ground.  This is tedious heavy work but if the cribs and spacers are placed solidly then everything will be safe and secure for working underneath. 
6. Finally, place the four very solid 2' high wood cribs under the corners of the trailer to secure and support the entire assembly.  (See SAFETY FIRST).  I also supported the front of the trailer frame with wood cribbing for extra support and security.
7. Now that the boat and trailer are resting securely on the two foot high cribs you can lower the axle(s) to create the space to remove  the centerboard. 
8. If you have a single axle trailer remove the front spring shackle bolts and lower the axle.  This creates enough room to remove the centerboard. 
   - If you have a tandem axle trailer remove the front spring shackle bolts and the idler bolts and lower the axle. 
   - In either case, it should not be necessary to remove the back shackle bolts.  In fact, leaving them in place makes it easier to align the axle to the frame for reassembly. 
   It should be noted that I performed this lift when the trailer had a single axle.  I have NOT YET performed this lift with a tandem axle.  If anyone is successful with this technique on a tandem axle, please email me.  I'd be very interested to know how you did it.
9. Be very careful; ensure that the hull is very securely supported before you crawl under it.  You don't want to leave an impression of the keel on your face!  (See SAFETY FIRST). 

This is a photo from Robert lifting Wild Tangent in 2023 using the steps 1-9 above.  I didn't take photos when I jacked up Panache so I'm grateful for this one.

"Ever since I bought Wild Tangent (previously named Aerial), I fretted about the condition of the centerboard, stirrup, and cable.  Every time I raised or lowered the center board, I pictured the eye strap breaking or pulling out and being SOL. 

To remove the board I put my EZ Loader trailer up on 5 blocks, removed the wheels, and dropped the axle by removing the front pin of the leaf springs.  I also had to remove the cross bar that supports the keel in front of the axle.

Because of the maintenance I did on the trailer last year there were no seized nuts.  The entire lift process took about 40 minutes.  Wild Tangent is now rock solid and safe to work under as you can see in the photo at right.  The axle hubs were removed as well since I'm replacing them.  The centerboard dropped out no problem.  I'm going to leave the boat there for winter, lowering one pair of bunks at a time to repaint with an ablative bottom paint. 

Anyway, what made me think of this was the comment in this Tech Tip that you only need about 6" to remove the board.  So once again, the web site saved me from a bunch of hassles trying to lift the boat off the trailer."  Robert Hasegawa
 

RAISE THE BOAT USING SCAFFOLDING, Paul Bailey.
 

RAISE THE BOAT USING A FLOOR JACK, John Cowing.
 

RAISE THE BOAT USING A PORTABLE GANTRY CRANE, Jocelyn Chagon.

Confirm the crane dimensions so it fits and SJ23.
 

CAREEN THE HULL
 

RESTORE THE CENTERBOARD
 

INSTALL the CENTERBOARD
 

MAKE YOUR OWN CENTERBOARD
 

Sometimes a centerboard is so pitted from salt water corrosion that it must be replaced.  Several people have wondered about fabricating their own board from 304 or 316 stainless steel.  The thought being that a SJ23 centerboard will occasionally scrape on a reef, sand bar or beach, and the extra cost of stainless steel may be rewarded by near indestructibility.  Mark Ludlow has sailed his SJ23, "la Loca", with a 1/2" thick stainless board since 2005.  While he didn't take any photos, the board looked like new when he hauled the boat in 2015.  He sailed at the mouth of the Columbia River.  What follows are his and my thoughts to answer questions from various sailors.  Mark works as a chemical process and design engineer, dealing with corrosion all the time.  I was tier 3 technical support for the local telephone company where I was often confronted with galvanic corrosion to solve a communication problem.

1. 400 series Monel essentially doesn't corrode in salt water.  It has properties similar to 316 stainless steel.  It machines very well, just like mild steel.
   "The problem with Monel is that it is stratospherically expensive.  Stainless steel is about 1/3 the cost.  Monel has a higher concentration of nickel than stainless steel.  The use of Monel is limited to valve trim, certain chemical processes and demanding marine applications like a propeller shaft.  A Monel board would require a Delrin bushing to electrically isolate it from the stainless support plate.  Besides all of this, Monel plate is nearly impossible to find, so forget this material."  Mark Ludlow

2. Cast iron is corrosion-resistant in salt water because of the presence of graphite in the metal (about 10%, by volume).
   "The danger of using cast iron is that corrosion can destroy the iron matrix (leaving the graphite) which makes the iron both porous and very weak.  Cast iron is very brittle and corrosion only makes it more so.  The surface isn't smooth which can slow the boat.  A bad choice."  Mark Ludlow

3. 300-series stainless steel is very corrosion-resistant.  Much more so than cast iron.
   "This is why the "no hub" cast-iron drainage pipe systems that are buried in soil use stainless connectors.  Even the Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute offers the following on their website: "...the 300 series of nickel-chromium stainless steel is even more resistant to corrosion than cast iron.  300 series stainless steel is much more difficult to machine than mild steel and could be quite expensive to fabricate.  The higher cost of fabrication for an SJ23 can be offset by elbow grease.  You will be rewarded with a corrosion free slippery board."  Mark Ludlow
   A stainless steel board may gall on the stainless pivot pin if the two fit snug.
   "I haven't found this to be an issue because if the fit is a bit loose then water can lubricate the movement.  The pivot pin is underwater all the time.  But for those who worry, drilling the centerboard hole a size larger and inserting a $0.50 polyethylene bushing is a ready fix."  Mark Ludlow
   While you may think that stainless steel is near indestructible when it hits something, the malleable property of this metal is not required because the board can swing back to deflect the impact.
   "A nice comforting feature to have though."  Bob
   Stainless may corrode under water in the absence of oxygen but it can be slowed down by polishing it.
   "This is a well known phenomenon but in some waters it does not corrode.  I haven't understood why.  Polishing leaves mostly a nickel surface that can't corrode.  Use a none ferrous disk to polish the stainless."  Bob

4. A powder-coat finish on mild steel (urethane is the toughest) works very well as long as the finish stays intact.  So don't scratch it.  This means you lift the board before you hit the beach or launch/retrieve the boat with a trailer.

5. A Coating of Epoxy Saturated in Carbon Graphite Powder works very well on a mild steel board after the galvanized coating has worn off.  While granite can just barely scratch it, you should lift the board before you hit the beach.  It also might be too slippery for marine growth to attach.  Now there's a bonus. 
   "If the stirrup is covered with a 1/8" thick sheet of fibreglass and a polyethylene bushing is used over the pin it electrically isolates the board, preventing galvanic corrosion.  Considering that the majority of aging boards used in conductive salt water corrode next to the stirrup, electrolysis should not be overlooked."  Bob

6. A 1/2" thick board will be ~25% heavier than a 3/8" board necessitating a thicker lift cable and stronger attachment. 
   "It may make the boat a bit stiffer which is good."  Bob
   "Use 6/32" SS lift cable."  Mark Ludlow
   "Upgrade the block & tackle from 3:1 to 4:1 to make lifting the board easier."  Bob
   "A thicker board will prevent it from vibrating or tilting to leeward.  When I added shims to the sides of the ballasted swing keel on my Venture 222 it did wonders for the sailing performance.  She sailed the same speed on both tacks and pointed slightly higher.  You won't see that much change on an SJ23 though."  Bob

7. Board Shape While it would be very nice to add some foil shape to the board to improve the flow dynamics the board isn't thick enough.
   "At the very least you must round off the leading edge and taper the trailing edge.  In addition, shape the end of the board to elliptical.  Lots of top performing race boats now use an elliptical blade because it reduces drag due to fewer vortices.  Think of the highly manoeuvrable Spitfire in WWII."  If you are going to do all this work make the board just short of the full length of the 52" slot and install it using the same holes in the stirrup.  However, you would NOT be able to move the board aft.  The forward end of the slot is ~5/8" wide and it tapers to 1/2" wide at the aft end.  Bob

8. If a replacement board were to be narrower, (11" wide instead of the factory 12" width), the reduced surface area could be offset by making the board a bit longer.
   "The keel slot is slightly longer than the board so you have to measure it to determine if a longer board would have the same area.  Sailing with the board more vertical may also offset the narrower board.  The factory changed the size of the board over the years without much change in the sailing characteristics.  So this may not be as much of a problem as some people think."  Gene Adams

"So, all in all, I stand by my recommendation demonstrated by years of successful operation under difficult corrosive conditions of using 300-Series stainless steel for a centerboard.  This being said, I wish to re-emphasize the need to smoothly chamfer the edge-drilled hole where the cable leaves the centerboard.  I re-rigged the standing rigging on my boat with 5/32" cable so I used it here as well.  But as I mentioned, I have always sailed with the centerboard all the way down, (although I suspect that's why "la Loca" has so much weather helm).  If the board were hauled back to 70⁰, there would be a constant strain on the cable and a smooth chamfer would be required to prevent wear.  It's easy to chamfer the hole with a grinding stone or a carbide burr in a grinder (electric drill at a slower pace).

"I replaced my factory original steel centerboard with ½” stainless steel that I fabricated around 2005. To attach the lift cable I cross-drilled a hole near the up-haul edge and then drilled an intersecting hole (slot in picture) from the edge into the cross hole. All surfaces were ground smooth, including chamfering the edge of the drilled intersecting hole that is most likely to abrade the cable.  For the lift cable I used flexible 5/32” stainless steel halyard cable and crimped a “ball” on the end that fits comfortably in the cross hole.  This method of attaching the lift cable is similar to a brake cable on a mountain bike.  A barrel would create better support than a ball but it would be difficult to fit into the hole.

Initially I tried poly line with a single loop through the centerboard hole but the keel slot is quite narrow and anything that is much wider than the centerboard causes interference in the motion of the centerboard.  The solution I used works flawlessly and the whole project, with stainless steel at 2005 prices, cost under $150.  This is less costly than just the galvanized centerboard in the SJ23 parts list."    Mark Ludlow

CONCLUSION - The best material for a centerboard is 300 series stainless steel.  The next best is to coat a mild steel board with epoxy and carbon graphite powder, pivoting it over a bronze bushing.  The latter is about as optimum as you can get, considering cost and corrosion free operation.  By the way, the extra thickness will make the boat a tad stiffer which is always nice.

However, if you've stubbed your toes on that sheet of 1/2" thick stainless steel laying in the garage, you should definitely try it.  Judging by Mark's experience you have nothing to loose and everything to gain.  But if you don't want to lay out your beer money for a new stainless steel board I would seriously consider coating the existing steel board with epoxy and carbon graphite powder.  The slipperier the better.  For an aging sailor who doesn't have that many years left, it would be a cost effective solution!  Elbow grease has its rewards!   TOP
 

REPLACE A SINGLE ENDED SS LIFT CABLE
 

The factory centerboard lift system consists of a heavy duty eye strap screwed to the cabin floor at the base of the table pedestal, a 3x1 block and tackle shackled between the floor eye strap and the 48" long  1/8" SS lift cable that goes over a sheave at the top of the table pedestal.  It then goes down the pedestal to an eye strap screwed to the aft edge of the centerboard.  At no time does the cable rub on fibreglass inside the pedestal. 

The 1/8" lift cable is made from (7X7) flexible halyard grade SS cable to survive the flex and stress over the sheave.  An eye with thimble is swaged to each end of the cable (best to use a copper swage instead of aluminum).  You could make it easier on yourself by swaging the board end first, then pulling the line over the top sheave to swage it to length at the block & tackle on the cabin sole. 

The lift cable eye is fitted directly to the eye strap screwed to the aft edge of the board by two 10x24 3/4" SS machine screws spaced 1.5" apart.  While a #2 Roberts screw (red handle screwdriver) is factory standard, the screws on Panache were slot drive, so be prepared for anything!  If the thread stays clean they will be replaced with Roberts screws next time since they are the easiest to twist underwater without stripping the head. 

The majority of lift cables break by being stressed over a misaligned sheave at the top of the pedestal.  The first symptom to show is a meat hook on the cable so be wary of this.  I've also heard of a thimble that broke in the middle where it rubbed against the inside of the eye strap on the board.  The pull on the lift cable is approximately 100-150 pounds with the 60 pound board pulled up inside the keel slot. 

Assemble the replacement cable exactly the same way as the factory cable.  The cable eye installs directly through the centerboard eye strap.  Therefore the eye rests across the keel slot.  Since the keel slot is just a smidgen over 1/2" wide, you MUST swage the 1/8" cable over a 1/2" thimble (factory size) so it can fit inside the slot with the board fully retracted as required for the trailer.

The factory specification calls for the SS cable to be 48" long, measured from the end of one loop to the end of the other, using a single Nicopress sleeve at each end.  If you want to double swage the cable cut it 50" long to allow for the extra crimp, thereby maintaining 48" overall.  Failure to do so will prevent the board from being lowered to the designed operating angle.  You could make the cable 51" long, making it possible for the board to hang vertical, but don't make it longer than 51" as you will not be able to pull the board up fully with the block and tackle.  The board must be fully retracted inside the keel slot and locked there for trailer launching.  The normal sailing angle for the board is about 70⁰ (aft) but I know of several sailors who sail their boat with the board closer to vertical.  If you want to lower the board to the correct sailing angle every time, tie a knot in the block and tackle line to limit the travel.  I like this technique as it is "idiot proof" during times of urgency or for commands given to a green horn!

NOTE:  The centerboard eye is exposed about 3" below the keel stub when the board hangs vertical.  Therefore, it is possible to replace the single ended cable with the boat floating!  Look at the photo at right and notice the location of the eye strap exposed just below the stub keel.  (Left side of board).  Best to do this job with the boat in 5' deep water, over a hard or sandy bottom so you don't kick up silt to block your vision.  Wear a weight belt for good footing on the bottom.  At least this part of the job is convenient!  

To access the centerboard you have three choices; 

1. Don your snorkel or SCUBA gear and dive under the boat anchored in 4-5' deep water.  Wear a weight belt to stand on the bottom.

2. Careen the hull 40⁰ next to a dock till the top of the keel is at the surface and the board is "within" arm reach.

3. Careen the hull 40⁰ close to shore using bow and stern anchors out to water and a tree on shore to tie the halyards to.

4. Lift the boat out of the water and work on the hard.  This option allows you to inspect and replace the sealant under the pivot plate.

CAREEN A BOAT - "The hull can be careened 40⁰ in a slip by pulling the main and a jib halyard from the mast head.  Wrap the halyards once around the mast where the shrouds attach to transfer the strain to the mast.  Stand a long aluminum ladder on the bottom, leaning against the dock.  Climb down the ladder to get within arm length of the board.  You may have to stand in waist deep water to do this but it sure beats diving under the hull.  You could also careen the hull in 4-5' deep water in which case you will be standing on the bottom.  You determine which technique is easiest for you."  Gene Gardner.

CAUTION - "Be very careful with careening the hull in a slip.  DON'T stand on the ladder between the hull and a dock where you can be pinned between the two should the halyards let go.  This could be real nasty for your complexion!  Also, careen the hull well away from your neighbours!  The damage your mast could make to their rigging is not to be taken lightly.  In addition, wrap your halyards one turn around the back of the mast to transfer most of the strain to the mast, close to the attachment of the shrouds.  Finally, wrap the ends of your halyards two turns around whatever solid object it is secured to then clip the fitting back to the halyard.  This reduces the strain on the fitting.  With gators around I don't blame you for considering the dry land option, although I'm told they don't venture out to deep water, too often!  Talk nicely to your lookout!  Here in Canada we have 3' long "slough sharks" that patrol the shallows for morsels but I don't worry too much about them.  The small fish they eat along the shore are a lot tastier than I am!"   Bob

Assuming you will replace the SS lift cable with the boat floating, remove the table to open the top of the pedestal and lower the board to vertical.  Attach a light line to the top end of the new cable (so you don't loose it) and lower the new cable down the pedestal till it exits the keel slot at the bottom.  From this point you can choose to dive under the boat or careen the hull and reach into the water to replace the cable.  Feel for the eye strap just below the keel.  Remove one screw of the eye strap and slightly loosen the other.  Be prepared to really torque on each screw as they will likely be corroded.  You might have to use Vice-grips in conjunction with the screw driver.  Rotate the eye strap to the side a bit, remove the old SS cable and slip the eye of the new SS cable under it.  Realign the eye strap to the screw hole, and drive the screws home.  It seems prudent to apply some water proof anti-seize thread compound to each screw before you tighten them.  After all, why not make life easier for the next time.  Pull out the old cable and test the operation by raising and lowering the board several times. 

HOW TO KEEP THE LIFT CABLE OVER THE SHEAVE - In 2004 I mindlessly drifted over a sand bar that stopped Panache dead when the centerboard slid over the bottom, pushing the slack lift cable up off the sheave.  This wasn't a big deal since all I needed to do was lift the board and keep going, or so I thought.  Back in deep water I had a bigger problem when I discovered the lift cable had jumped off the metal sheave to lay over the bolt the sheave turns on.  It was now jammed solidly between the sheave and the fibreglass pedestal.  Why didn't Clark install a keeper over this block to contain the cable?  On the other hand, why didn't I watch where I was going?  Anyway, I tied a line around the hull to lift the board after which it took a lot of picking to pry that cable out.  I wasn't about to repeat that fiasco so fabricated an aluminum keeper over the sheave as shown here.  It also nicely centered the block to keep it from rubbing against the fibreglass.  The cable was replaced 2 years later as it was damaged in the process.
NOTE - If this metal sheave wears, replace it with a similar sheave to handle the wire.  Note the V groove on the face of the sheave to support the shape of the wire.  The sheave is 2" OD by 1/2" wide turning on a 3/8" bolt.   TOP

INSTALL A DOUBLE ENDED LIFT LINE
 

SS CABLE VERSUS POLYESTER or DYNEEMA LIFT LINE - Replacing a single ended stainless steel lift cable is a major "PITA" for the following reasons:

• The hull must be lifted off the trailer to access the board,

• You dive under the hull and do the work under water,

• Careen the hull in the water to access the eye strap on the board. 

The following are the main reasons why some sailors have switched to 1/4" Dacron or Dyneema line:

• FLEX - Regardless of how flexible a SS lift cable is, it will eventually fatigue over the sheave at the top of the pedestal, twisting and creating meat hooks in the process.  This fatigue ultimately determines the life of the cable.  Occasionally it wears at the eye strap.
  - Polyester or Dyneema line can live quite happily with this sheave. 

• LENGTH - A single ended SS lift cable must be made to exact length with eyes crimped at both ends before it is installed.
  - You don't have to know the exact length of a double ended polyester or Dyneema lift line.  The line will automatically be the correct length when the free end is tied to the block & tackle.

• REPLACE - A single ended SS cable must be replaced at a travel lift/crane or other means to lift the hull.
  - Once installed a double ended poly lift line is easy to replace can be done from inside the cabin anytime, anywhere, without lifting the hull.

SINGLE ENDED POLYESTER LIFT LINE - Attaching a single ended line to the centerboard is easy and neat if you splice a 2" loop in the end and "choke" it off to the eye strap.  Stuff the loop half way through the eye, pull the free end of the line through the loop, pull the line tight around the eye and pull the free end up the pedestal with a fish tape or push it up with a stick and you are done.

Another way to attach a single ended line is to tie a bowline and whip the butt end to itself to eliminate a potential snag.  If you don't have waxed lacing twine for whipping then dental floss works pretty well.  The mint stuff tastes good!  Keep in mind that the completed knot MUST be narrower than the 1/2" wide keel slot it has to slide into.

You could make it easier on yourself by attaching the board end first and then pulling the line over the sheave to tie it to length at the block & tackle on the cabin sole.

This line should be inspected annually and replaced about every other season since the bottom 1.5' is always under water inside the pedestal.  Replacing the line more often than the SS cable is probably the biggest disadvantage, but it is easy and cheaper to do.  Use the old line to pull a new one up the pedestal, provided you had the forethought to replace the old line before it broke!  For all the other excuses, you can push a fish tape down the pedestal to pull the new line up!  However, you still have to go under the hull to attach the line, hence the double ended lift line.

DOUBLE ENDED POLYESTER LIFT LINE - Here are two great ideas to improve the single ended SS cable system with a double ended polyester or Dyneema lift line.  It is dead simple to replace the line using one of the following techniques without lifting or careening the hull.

1. THROUGH THE EYE STRAP - "Loop a 1/4" polyester line through the eye strap on the back of the centerboard and bring both ends up through the top of the pedestal.  Replace the single sheave at the top of the pedestal with a double sheave and direct each line over its respective sheave.  A double sheave prevents the lines from twisting.  Then dead end the lines to the top of the block and tackle, screwed to the cabin sole.  You can cut off the excess line or tuck it away as shown at right to be used for future servicing of the line. 
   - The divider between the sheaves keeps each line over its respective sheave when the line goes slack after the board is pushed up by a sand bar or beach.  The divider prevents a nasty snag that can be difficult to undo.  But hey, do yourself a favour and pull the board up before hitting the beach.
   - Replacing the line is simply a matter of sewing a new line to the end of the old one and pull it through the eye.  A simple job to do annually on the trailer or in the water and a far easier thing to do than lifting or careening the boat to replace a dead ended SS cable!  Alternatively you could leave extra line attached, as shown at right, so you can shuffle the bottom of the loop to the top for inspection or move the wear point.  The line can be replaced without removing the table while the boat is floating or on the trailer.  A real bonus."  Mike Hancock.

   The stress on the line through the eye strap is not a problem.  Mike leaves his board up all the time in the slip.  The tension can never approach the rated strength of the line.  He thought about moving the loop an inch every so often, but never did.  He has experienced no problems with this configuration.  However, you should determine your own replacement schedule and err on the side of safety.   For peace of mind you could replace your line after the first season.  If wear is insignificant you could replace your line after two years.  On the other hand 8' of 1/4" line is pretty inexpensive to replace annually.  The eye strap sticks out 2" below the keel with the board down, fairly close to the diagram below. 

2. THROUGH A STAND-UP BLOCK - "Dead end the lift line at the top of the pedestal.  Direct it down the pedestal around a 3/8" wide upright lead block (Ronstan RF919 might do it) screwed (3/4" long 12x24 on 1.5" centers) to the aft edge of the board.  Direct it back up over the sheave at the top of the pedestal.  While you would have double the line to pull, it is half the effort.  You could use a small drum winch to roll up the line.  Add a stainless steel centerboard and it would end the hassle of having to lift the boat or dive under it just to replace a simple string!"   Mark Ludlow. 

PS:  If this is the first time to replace the steel cable, you still have to dive under the boat to open the eye strap and remove the steel cable.  Sorry!  Now you just have to decide which of the two techniques above is best suited to you.

Just so you know, the eye strap is positioned low enough on the aft edge of the board for sufficient mechanical advantage to raise it and high enough for minimal drag through the water.  See Tech Tip B32.  However, since the cable protrudes ~3" outside the keel slot when the board is vertical, it could still snag weeds if you turn the boat sharply through the weeds.  I don't trust the line to stay weed free so I raise the centerboard fully before moving through a weedy area.  If I discover the boat has floated into a "salad bowl," I leave the board down as I'm likely to stuff the "salad" inside the slot which is a real miserable job to clear.  It happened to me once and it took 2 weeks for weed to rot and drop out, saving me a dive under the boat.  In addition, I leave the weed bed in a straight line to improve my odds of keeping the board and lift line clear.

Hints:
- Remove the table before you fish a new cable or line down the pedestal.  It is impossible to do this job with the top of the pedestal closed.
- While the table is removed, take the opportunity to insert a bronze bushing inside the single sheave as the hole is probably worn oblong after years of use.  To restore the hole through the sheave, drill it out with an oversize bit and press a bronze bushing in.  You'll be impressed with how much easier it is to raise the centerboard.  Soak the bushing in oil overnight before you install it.  While the oil will last in the bushing for many years of trouble free service, apply a dab of ATF oil each year. 
- Add some stainless steel washers to either side of the sheave to keep it centered in the exit hole at the aft side of the pedestal.  The sheave at the top of the pedestal is made of solid aluminum with a V groove to support the cable for minimal wear.  The sheave is 1.5" in diameter with a 5/16" hole for the stainless bolt.
- It's also a good idea to add cheeks around the sheave to contain a loose cable in the event that it goes slack when you run aground.  Failure to do this will result in the lift cable jumping off the sheave and dropping on the pivot bolt.  Once the boat is back in deep water the lift cable will jamb there.  Boy is that "&*%#@(&" frustrating to fix out on the water.  I finally had to sling a line around the hull, going under the centerboard to lift it up.  This created enough slack in the lift cable to pry it up over the sheave.   TOP
 

UPDATED  DOUBLE ENDED DYNEEMA LIFT LINE (2022) - Panache's factory SS lift cable was 25 years old when it was first replaced in 2002.  I dove under the hull for that job.  In 2022 it was again due for replacement since there were so many broken strands where it connected to the block & tackle at the bottom of the table pedestal.  The threat of it breaking during an inopportune moment is not something I looked forward to; been there, done that, no need to repeat it!  I have access to only one crane here (no travel lift) to hoist the boat and it is available for maybe 30 minutes, twice a year, at the start & end of the sailing season.  Problem is, they don't allow a person in the boat while it is hanging from the hook and there are no suitable boat stands here.  Not good enough. 
Instead of installing another single ended SS cable, I installed Mike Hancock's double ended lift line described above.  After waiting 7 years to unsuccessfully get Panache on a local hoist, I chose instead to dive under the boat in mid summer.  Replacing this cable in this manner is a 2 man job, best done over a sandy bottom to retain visibility.  I am looking forward to this being my last dive on the centerboard and easy maintenance of the lift line thereafter.  I couldn't be more pleased with the dead quiet smooth operation of the board and the improved sailing performance with a near vertical board.

LINE CHECK (2024) - The burning question is, "How much wear does the Dyneema lift line have after 2 years of service?"  The answer is in the photo at right, "NONE."  The arrow points to where the line was under strain around the factory eye strap.  The rest of the Dyneema is a bit stiff, having been immersed for two seasons, but perfectly fine.  Keep in mind this line held the board up horizontally in the slot for two seasons, except when Panache was sailed.  So it will go back to service for another season. 

DUAL SHEAVE BRACKET FABRICATION, Spring 2015.
The new dual sheave needs a strong mounting bracket to support the 100-150 expected pound pull at the top of the pedestal.  I fabricated one from aluminum channel (Great, more garage stuff gone!) and added two horizontal screws and a shelf for additional support.  The dimensions were then transferred to the pedestal for installation.
Bracket - This is the channel bracket that was fabricated to house the new dual sheave.  The aluminum was formed with a 5 pound "persuader" over a bench vice.  Its amazing how quickly sheet aluminum gives way to 5 pounds of flying steel!	Pedestal - The top of the pedestal with the table still on it, marked for future cutting.  Other than the table, this is the pedestal as it came from the factory.  However, the gap above the sheave had to be closed to improve the strength for the bracket.
DUAL SHEAVE BRACKET INSTALLATION, Spring 2022
Top of Pedestal - The table removed from the pedestal to show the factory sheave with my DIY cable retainer in place.  This pedestal is stiff.	Factory Sheave - The factory sheave with cable retainer showing the bushing I added in 2004.  Both have minimal wear after 18 years.
Strengthen Pedestal - The gap at the top was closed with a fibreglass spacer to stiffen the pedestal before removing the pedestal material for the sheave.  No going back now.	Mark & Cut - To mark & cut the recess was a painstaking process requiring many measurements to ensure an accurate fit.  Note the flat cut for the future support "shelf".
Support Shelf - The fibreglass "shelf" that will support the dual sheave bracket & keep the pedestal sides in column.  Shaping was done with a rotary rasp.	Final Fitting - The two depressions at the top and the holes at the bottom line up with the nuts that secure the dual sheave to the aluminum bracket.
Dry Fit - This is umpteenth time the assembly was dry fitted on the pedestal.  I decided not to use sealant to prevent movement as it would prevent removal.	Bolted in Place - The bracket is thru bolted to the pedestal with 2 vinyl compression sleeves inside to maintain column width.
Temporary Cable Clamp - The temporary cable clamp that was used till the Dyneema was installed in summer.  The broken strands are tucked inside.  Only the table bridge was reinstalled to remove cabin clutter.	Ready for Launch - Centerboard operation was restored with the SS lift cable over one of the blocks.  Panache is now ready for launch and the next step of this upgrade when the water warms.  The sheave operated OK with the cable.
DYNEEMA LIFT LINE INSTALLATION, Summer 2022
Dyneema - In the middle of summer I dove under Panache to push the Dyneema lift line up the pedestal with the centerboard resting on the bottom, 5' down.  Panache was tied to a dock in calm weather.  The factory eye strap was not replaced since the thread of the two screws (blade drive) were corroded in place.  The screws were in good condition.  So I pulled the Dyneema through the eye strap, wedged the lines in the V notch at the top of a 4' long thin stick then pushed the line up the pedestal using the stick.  My buddy grabbed the line at the top of the pedestal.  It was a bit difficult to get past a ridge inside the pedestal that can be felt from the bottom up, not the top down.  Its good I had sufficient air in my SCUBA tank to fiddle with the stick.  At long last, the Dyneema is through the pedestal. The SS lift cable was cut between the thimble and the Nicopress sleeve.  Bolt cutters work amazingly well with the cable under slight tension and the centerboard resting on the bottom.  One snip and the cable was gone!  Lastly, my Klein pliers easily twisted the thimble off.  Amazingly I was able to retrieve all the bits and pieces as each was removed.  At right is the Dyneema secured at the top of the pedestal prior to sorting out the twisted strands.  Just like halyards these strands must be aligned from bottom to top to run freely.
Dyneema Lines Aligned -  A high intensity LED flashlight can easily light up the inside of the pedestal while I used a bent coat hanger to hook and pull each twisted line out of the tangle inside.  While the lines operated freely for the remainder of the summer I confirmed them to be aligned when the boat was on the trailer and the pedestal is free of water.  The four lines shown create two passes through the eye strap, spreading the load equally.  All for minimal wear.	Installation Complete - A slick, clean installation with little showing on the outside.  The coil of excess line is stuffed inside the port pedestal cover.  It will be used for future servicing.  The Dyneema lift line works far smoother and with less effort than the single ended SS lift cable ever did.  I believe this is due to the load being split between the two sheaves.  This bodes well for low maintenance. Line Length - The easiest way to tie the lift line to the correct length with the boat floating is with the centerboard pulled up and a line tied around the hull, supporting the board.  But even with this technique the board could stick out a bit due to slack in the line.  The slack can be avoided with a stick tied across the bottom of the keel or a plank under the keel as it slides onto a sand bar.  Why is this important?  The protruding corner of the board could nudge against a trailer cross member, preventing the boat from sliding OFF the trailer.  This problem would be very difficult to resolve on the ramp, with the boat stuck half way off the support pads!
Board Operation - I always pull the centerboard up inside the dark keel slot when moored to prevent marine growth on the board and inside the keel slot.  Its also a great way to protect it against a grounding and the boat hunts less when at anchor.  To limit the forward swing of the board I tie a stopper knot in the block-n-tackle lift line, thereby protecting the front of the keel slot.  The Dyneema line operates the centerboard dead quiet with less effort than the SS cable.  Sailing Performance - Panache's centerboard has always hung at ~300 aft with the factory SS single ended cable.  With the slightly longer Dyneema line it can now hang vertical.  The centerboard is guaranteed to be vertical when the lift line goes slack with the knot at the top.  This means the center of lateral resistance moves slightly forward, making for better sail balance with the large 153% genoa.  A trial sail has proven this to be true since the tiller is almost neutral with just a slight amount of weather helm.  I'm going to enjoy this new ride.  TOP

 

SEIZED CENTERBOARD
 

SEIZED IN THE UP POSITION - The only good thing you can say about a board seized in the up position is that the boat can still be retrieved on the trailer.  Seized in the up position is the most difficult one to release.  Some people have been able to push it down with a rod through the table pedestal.  The rod has to be 41" long and no more than 7/16" thick so it can't jam inside the 1/2" wide slot.  Once the rod is inside the pedestal, gently prod around till you feel the stick on the back of the centerboard.  If the end of the rod is notched it can stay centered on the board.  You will have about 7" of rod sticking up from the top of the pedestal, leaving enough swing room to tap or pound on it.  Leave about 3" of slack on the lift cable so the board doesn't slam down when it comes free.  60 pounds of free swinging steel plate could damage the front end of the slot!  Position the rod as far aft as possible and tap on it with a small sledge hammer.  Light taps first until you get the feel of it or the board starts to move.  The board will hopefully drop the 3" so you can release another 3" of slack and repeat the process till you run out of rod.  Stop pounding when the top of the rod is close to the top of the pedestal.  Not a lot of point in driving the rod out of sight down the pedestal!  This technique worked for Panache's board jammed by weeds and for several other boards seized by fresh marine growth.  Not sure if it will work for a heavily jammed or corroded board. 

Another time Panache's board was jammed about 30⁰ down due to the SS lift cable that slipped between the board and the inside of the slot.  This happened when the boat slid over a shallow sand bank that pushed the centerboard up.  Pounding with a rod didn't release the board so I dove under the boat but couldn't push the blade down with my back braced against the bottom of the keel.  (What a weird feeling that is looking up at the bottom of the boat).  In desperation I used a three foot long (4x4)" as a lever to pry the board down against the bottom of the keel.  It took three attempts, moving the (4x4)" forward a bit each time, till it sprung free.  Obviously the leverage of the (4x4)" can push a lot harder than a direct push using my body.  Pry small angles at a time to prevent bending the board. 

ON LAND - However, if the board is stuck hard (calcium) you might be wiser to repair the job on land so as not to damage the hull.  Once on land try removing the marine growth with one of the following ideas, wearing goggles and or gloves:

1. Use a mild acid like vinegar to dissolve and weaken the calcified marine growth.  To do this effectively you should seal the bottom of the slot with duct tape.  Let the vinegar sit for a while to dissolve the calcium before you go to your next step.
2. Remove the lag bolts and try prying the board down from the stirrup.  Use a large piece of wood over the fibreglass so you don't crush it. 
3. Try a hot power washer armed with various nozzles.  The high pressure can cut through a lot of stuff to remove debris.
4. Draw a hacksaw blade, Sawzall (slow speed, small carbide teeth, rounded tip), or serrated knife along the length of the centerboard trunk to cut the marine growth or rust between the board and the side of the slot.  Bias the blade towards the board to protect the fibreglass.  It should cut through most of it.  I know of several people who have been successful with a Sawzall and it did not harm the inside of the slot.
   NOTE - Don't cut into the top of the slot.  The water can flow into the cabin, etc if you do.
5. Try a slide hammer hooked over the top of the board to drive it down.  You may need an extension to attach the hammer part.  I wouldn't hammer too hard.  You may damage the trailing part of the board.
6. If you manage to budge the board down a bit, thumping it from the top becomes less effective due to the angle.  In that case you might want to lift the board up a bit to break the blockage free in a similar fashion to removing a stuck bolt; back and forth.  Once you get movement, with patience you can likely get more.  With access to a boat ramp you can use the trailer to push the board back inside.  If you get the trailing edge outside the hull you can also use the trailer to pull the board out.  Loop a line around it and back the trailer into the water.  Remember to tie the line to the last cross member of the trailer so the board drops outside the trailer.  Once the board is out scrape it and the slot clean.  (Bill Ward)
7. With the board down, scrub the inside of the trunk with a round nylon brush or an oval rasp if you have really hard stuff in there.  Alternatively, use a 12 gauge metal bore brush (shot gun) and a section of cleaning rod spun by a crank style handle.  Not nearly as fast but it might suffice to remove enough growth. 
8. There comes point in the extraction process when you realize the board is "toast".  The steel has swelled against the slot and it gets really difficult to do anything sensible with it.  This is when you can drill a hole through it, provided the board sticks out the slot a bit, install a bolt through it and pry/lever/pull it out by pushing against the bottom of the keel.  Pretty drastic I realize but necessary.

ON WATER - The problem with freeing the board in the water is that it might stick in the down position, preventing you from retrieving the boat with your trailer.  Keep this in mind.  But honestly, you should be able to swing the board fore aft to free up the gunk around the pivot point.

1. Drawing a hacksaw blade or serrated knife along either side of the board may break it free.  Cut along the length of the centerboard trunk, cutting through the marine growth between the board and the side of the slot. 
2. Use a slide hammer hooked over the top of the board to drive it down.  This is brutal.
3. Remove the lag bolts and pry the stirrup plate down, taking the centerboard with it.  Seal the lag bolt holes immediately.
4. With the board down, scrub the inside of the trunk with a round nylon brush or an oval rasp if you have really hard stuff in there.  Alternatively, use a 12 gauge metal bore brush (shot gun) and a section of cleaning rod spun by a crank style handle.  Not nearly as fast but it might suffice to remove enough growth.

When trying any of the above suggestions be very careful with the thin gel coat inside the keel slot.  After the centerboard trunk is clean you could apply a liberal coating of antifouling paint with a long soft round brush or a rag on a stick.  I'm told that it is amazing how much marine growth can accumulate there in warm water, salt or fresh.  In cold, fresh northern waters the slot stays clean.  If there has to be a benefit to living with a cold climate, this is it! 

NOTE 1: If you lift the hull off the trailer with a crane, use a correct width hoisting frame to prevent the straps from compressing the hull.

NOTE 2: If two hard metals rub together, one of them will wear.  If a hard and a soft metal rub together, the wear is minimal.  I'm not sure which principle of physics is at work here but I think it has to do with the softer metal acting like a lubricant.

NOTE 3: If the pivot pin wears badly, I expect it will do so at the top, probably in a downward slope towards the end of the pin.  I've also heard of a pin that broke off due to corrosion, leaving an angled stub.  In either case the centerboard will slide down the slope of the pin or stub, where it will wear against the keel trunk and the end of the pin.  As the end of the pin wears thinner, the board will eventually drop to wedge between what is left of the pin and the opposite side of the trunk, likely resulting in a seizure.  I've heard of two boards that did this so that's my theory and I'm sticking to it, for now anyway!  I sure would appreciate it if someone else would confirm this.  Please email me.   TOP 
 

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