M-17 Sailors- If there is indeed a significant interest in a replacement CB for the old model keel/CB boats, which incompass about 90% of those made, I might be interested in making one available. What I have in mind is either one of glass, with a lead core, or one of cast bronze, which would be more expensive, but heavier and more dependable. Those interested might email me privately and I will give it some more thought. Frankly, it won't work unless I can make a dozen a year or so, because it will be a week's work to make the tooling. Those responding might state their preference as to a 100 lb glass board or a 220 pound bronze. The glass board would probably hang on the pennant.

My thinking on this will be influenced by the fact that I have been dragging around a M-23 CB for about 20 years now and nobody seems to need it. The next time I have to move it it will be sold for scrap. Thought I had it sold a year ago to a guy who is building a one-off boat, but he seems to have run out of momentum.

----- Original Message -----

From: Larry Yake

Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2002 8:42 PM

Subject: Re: M_Boats: Centerboard trials and tribulations

Seems there is always someone having problems with one of the old cast iron centerboards. My boat has the same problems and I'll be working on it soon. It would sure be beneficial to a great many of us if a suitable replacement could be created. I was surprised to learn the newer M17's board is so much lighter. Is the weight difference made up in the keel? Could a lighter board be used on an older model? I realize the board on the newer boats won't fit the older models, but if a lighter weight model could be made to replace the cast iron, without too much loss of performance or stiffness, it sure would be a lot easier to handle. Also, earlier discussions speculated on the possibility of getting a professional to build some boards if there was enough interest. Count me in.