Doug, Part of the centerboard protrudes below the trunk (an inch or less) even in the fully raised position. Mine occasionally got pushed up into the trunk when loading on or launching off the original trailer and it would jam. I've replaced the trailer and redesigned the center support so that doesn't happen. Hopefully, your only problem is to unjam it. Debris could be the culprit too. I was able to break mine loose by prying on the aft edge of the centerboard with a heavy screwdriver. On mine there is a notch there whose purpose I was never able to determine (except as a leverage point ?). Fortunately, the board always came free before I broke off the edge of the centerboard. Carol II lived at a berth in saltwater for several years and I did not have any problem with the housing swelling. I did paint the bottom several times with ablative bottom paint and did discover that there is very little room inside the housing. You will not want to put any thick paint on the upper section of the centerboard or it will really lock into the housing. On occasion, I have been successful using a thin handsaw (thinner than a hacksaw blade) to "cut" through the few twigs or barnacles that bound my centerboard. Be very careful to insure that the pendant is very secure while you are working the board loose - dropping like a rock is an understatement of what can happen. Stan M-17 #177 Carol II