1. How high should the hull be raised to remove centerboard? Is 21-inches

sufficient or something more or less?

I believe that I had my M17 about 30 inches off the ground (measured from bottom of the keel) when I removed my centerboard. This is my best guess because I didn't actually measure the distance.

2. By removing the pivot bolt, will the centerboard drop free? If so, should

the centerboard be supported while removing the bolt? It weighs 100 pounds.

You should first remove the stop pin located at the lower rear of the centerboard trunk. It is a 3/8" diameter ss rod that is epoxied in place. You may need to look closely to see where the pin is located. I used my Dremel tool to grind away a tiny amount of epoxy and then drove the pin out. Once the stop pin is removed you can lower the rear of the centerboard all the way to the ground thereby exposing the shackle to which the pendant is attached with a very tight bowline knot. I would definitely support the forward end of the centerboard when you remove the pivot pin. The board actually weighs 180 lbs. and will definitely hurt something if it drops uncontrolled!

3. Are there any other obstructions to dropping and removing the centerboard?

No.

4. How is the pendant ( line used to lower and raise centerboard in cabin)

attached to the centerboard?

See #2 above

5. Are there any other procedures/problems that I should know about?

Once board is removed, and not having any other experience, I plan to follow the instructions outlined in the Interlux VC Boater's Painting Guide:

sandblasting, fairing rough areas with epoxy putty and then multiple coats of Interlux 2000E/2001E.

After sandblasting I like to coat the entire board with epoxy before painting.

Good luck with your project. By the way, I didn’t have any experience before I began my centerboard project. I just moved slowly and learned as I went. If I can do it then it should be no problem for anybody else.

Mark Dvorscak

M17 #400

GRACE

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