I am terrified of this problem: I thought it was caused by water in the ballast freezing and expanding, which is why it plagues so many boats in the Great Lakes. Is the problem more likely to happen in fresh water or salt? In warm climes or cold? I keep my boat on her trailer: Does this reduce my chances of being afflicted? Is there any way to test for leaks? Any preventive maintenance that can be performed (i.e., reinforce all seams)? ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jerry Montgomery" <jmbn@innercite.com> To: <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Monday, September 09, 2002 6:49 PM Subject: collapsing trunk? I think water has gotten into some of the keels, causing rust, which swells the trunk. The only way another board would help is if, assuming the rust has been stopped, the new boartd was thinner. Jerry ----- Original Message ----- From: "dik lang" <diklang32@hotmail.com> To: <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Monday, September 09, 2002 1:02 PM Subject: collapsing trunk? I have heard a lot of talk about sticking centerboards and always thought it just due to marine growth and or rust on the board. How can the trunk colapse? How many boats actually suffer from this? It would seem the easiest way to remedy the rust issue would be to drop the board, grind it smooth and coat with epoxy. Why bother with replacing with a glassed lead one (though it does sound totally cool!).