Hello Chris, The centerboard was pretty easy. After I lifted the boat I simply lowered the centerboard. I then put some soft material under the centerboard and cut the line. This lowered the aft portion. I then supported the centerboard and then drove out the pivot pin. It just slid out. Took all of about 10 minutes. Yes I have gone to Isle Royale twice on my M-15 and plan to go again this summer (August 15-30) for two weeks with my two young daughters. When I go, I put in at Grand Portage, MN. This gives me a short hop of about 25 miles over to the island. Isle Royale is a fantastic cruising gound -- I love the isolation of the wilderness up there. You can literally go for a few days without hardly seeing anyone else. With regard to the teak, I use the three step teak cleaner. I have uploaded three pictures to my picture site that shows the state the teak was in before cleaning and a picture of it part way cleaned. The last picture you can see the front have of the tow rail with the oil and the back half without the oil. I will have to re-clean the teak again this spring as the road travel has made it grimey again. John M-15 Jester Fantastic! I'm hoping to do much the same thing to my M15 this summer. How difficult was it to get the centerboard out?
*From looking at your pictures I see you went to Isle Royale! Where did you *put in? I am planning a ~1 week trip this summer, and am currently trying to decide if that is enough time to put in at the Apostle Islands and make the crossing to Tettegouche, then up to Isle Royale. I'd like to get a little open water time - remind me of ocean sailing (albeit on much bigger boats...).
Also, the toe rails and other woodwork looks great on your boat! Did you refinish it? I've gotten some conflicting opinions on the proper way to refinish teak - I guess this question is up for everyone: what is the best way? Sand/stain/poly? teak restorer stuff? Thanks! Chris M15 Persephone