Good Advice The center board swelling is not the main problem. It is the balast swelling that clamps the center board. Even if you could get the centerboard out and replace it with a lead one the balast will continue to swell if it has gotten wet. I would suggest that any M-15 owner with a steel centerboard (check with magnet) retro fit it with a lead CB before all hell breaks loose. I purchased my lead board from Bob. It was reasonable. Captain Jim -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces+jimsadler=jascopacific.com@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces+jimsadler=jascopacific.com@mailman.xmission .com] On Behalf Of Blake Reimer Sent: Wednesday, July 29, 2009 9:43 AM To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Subject: Re: M_Boats: M-15 Ballast Wow! Looking at Jim's repair for his keel and centerboard, the word nightmare comes to mind. I am assuming the centerboard wedged itself firmly in the keel and had to be knocked out from the inside, hence the lead work? On the other hand, I would think addressing the problem BEFORE the centerboard gets completely stuck would be much easier - still a hassle, yes, but not a nightmare. Meanwhile, the sometimes mildly sticky centerboard on IOTA will get pulled this winter. I'm thinking I should 'nip it in the bud' and avoid the nightmares. No doubt, you'll be able to hear cursing from Santa Cruz when I get started... Blake m-15 IOTA _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats Remember, there is no privacy on the Internet!