Possible solution for stuck centerboard
My CB has been stuck the past several times I've taken her (#69 M17(Not Coyote- I believe the boat named Coyote has the same number as mine, but was modified for racing - doesn't have a full cabin--but that 's not important right now). anyways, I drilled a 3/4" hole in the cockpit floor just aft of the doorway into the cabin above the CB . Drilled it there so that the steel rod will have good contact with the top of the stuck CB. I used a steel rod and a 10 lb sledgehammer, floated the boat but kept it on the trailer at the boat ramp. I was able to lower the CB a little, didn't have the motor so didn't want to have to struggle getting the boat back on the trailer in the wind - since it was not in open water I didn't get to see if it would drop all the way, will find that out next time. The last time I did sail with the CB up, it was too windy, and I was uncomfortable with the amount of heeling it did and also didnt point so well. I'm extremely hopefull the CB will drop all the way, cause if not I'll take ti and lift the boat on land and try wiggling the CB out while hitting it from above, may have to get drastic and cut open the keel and dig out the old steel slugs and replace with lead ballast - something I hope to avoid. If it works out, I'll put in some sort of plastic with a removable cap for the steel rod to fit into. I'll repost to let ya'll know if the sledge works. Jim in Denton Texas
When my centerboard got stuck it was because I beached it and the tide went out and gravel jammed up in the cb. Had to use a screwdriver to work the gravel out before the cb would drop. Cold dive underwater off Sucia Island. Pete Chinook Breeze M15. 377 Sent from my iPhone
On Mar 4, 2019, at 14:12, James Hymes <jamesehymes@gmail.com> wrote:
My CB has been stuck the past several times I've taken her (#69 M17(Not Coyote- I believe the boat named Coyote has the same number as mine, but was modified for racing - doesn't have a full cabin--but that 's not important right now). anyways, I drilled a 3/4" hole in the cockpit floor just aft of the doorway into the cabin above the CB . Drilled it there so that the steel rod will have good contact with the top of the stuck CB. I used a steel rod and a 10 lb sledgehammer, floated the boat but kept it on the trailer at the boat ramp. I was able to lower the CB a little, didn't have the motor so didn't want to have to struggle getting the boat back on the trailer in the wind - since it was not in open water I didn't get to see if it would drop all the way, will find that out next time. The last time I did sail with the CB up, it was too windy, and I was uncomfortable with the amount of heeling it did and also didnt point so well. I'm extremely hopefull the CB will drop all the way, cause if not I'll take ti and lift the boat on land and try wiggling the CB out while hitting it from above, may have to get drastic and cut open the keel and dig out the old steel slugs and replace with lead ballast - something I hope to avoid. If it works out, I'll put in some sort of plastic with a removable cap for the steel rod to fit into. I'll repost to let ya'll know if the sledge works. Jim in Denton Texas
I am impressed with you Pete. At least Sucia Island is a beautiful place...⛵️😎 Bob Sent from my iPad
On Mar 4, 2019, at 2:21 PM, Peter Zimowsky via montgomery_boats <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> wrote:
When my centerboard got stuck it was because I beached it and the tide went out and gravel jammed up in the cb. Had to use a screwdriver to work the gravel out before the cb would drop. Cold dive underwater off Sucia Island. Pete Chinook Breeze M15. 377
Sent from my iPhone
On Mar 4, 2019, at 14:12, James Hymes <jamesehymes@gmail.com> wrote:
My CB has been stuck the past several times I've taken her (#69 M17(Not Coyote- I believe the boat named Coyote has the same number as mine, but was modified for racing - doesn't have a full cabin--but that 's not important right now). anyways, I drilled a 3/4" hole in the cockpit floor just aft of the doorway into the cabin above the CB . Drilled it there so that the steel rod will have good contact with the top of the stuck CB. I used a steel rod and a 10 lb sledgehammer, floated the boat but kept it on the trailer at the boat ramp. I was able to lower the CB a little, didn't have the motor so didn't want to have to struggle getting the boat back on the trailer in the wind - since it was not in open water I didn't get to see if it would drop all the way, will find that out next time. The last time I did sail with the CB up, it was too windy, and I was uncomfortable with the amount of heeling it did and also didnt point so well. I'm extremely hopefull the CB will drop all the way, cause if not I'll take ti and lift the boat on land and try wiggling the CB out while hitting it from above, may have to get drastic and cut open the keel and dig out the old steel slugs and replace with lead ballast - something I hope to avoid. If it works out, I'll put in some sort of plastic with a removable cap for the steel rod to fit into. I'll repost to let ya'll know if the sledge works. Jim in Denton Texas
This happened to my M-15 and I used a pressure washer and directed the water UP into the trunk to free any gunk there. It worked and the centerboard dropped fine.
On Mar 4, 2019, at 2:12 PM, James Hymes <jamesehymes@gmail.com> wrote:
My CB has been stuck the past several times I've taken her (#69 M17(Not Coyote- I believe the boat named Coyote has the same number as mine, but was modified for racing - doesn't have a full cabin--but that 's not important right now). anyways, I drilled a 3/4" hole in the cockpit floor just aft of the doorway into the cabin above the CB . Drilled it there so that the steel rod will have good contact with the top of the stuck CB. I used a steel rod and a 10 lb sledgehammer, floated the boat but kept it on the trailer at the boat ramp. I was able to lower the CB a little, didn't have the motor so didn't want to have to struggle getting the boat back on the trailer in the wind - since it was not in open water I didn't get to see if it would drop all the way, will find that out next time. The last time I did sail with the CB up, it was too windy, and I was uncomfortable with the amount of heeling it did and also didnt point so well. I'm extremely hopefull the CB will drop all the way, cause if not I'll take ti and lift the boat on land and try wiggling the CB out while hitting it from above, may have to get drastic and cut open the keel and dig out the old steel slugs and replace with lead ballast - something I hope to avoid. If it works out, I'll put in some sort of plastic with a removable cap for the steel rod to fit into. I'll repost to let ya'll know if the sledge works. Jim in Denton Texas
Hi James, Before you do something so drastic as to start cutting-- if it is rust that is the problem you may be able to do it chemically. I almost had to do this once.... Was going to pack the keel slot from underneath with clay to make it watertight, then fill it from above with something to eat rust. If not in a hurry, high sulfur molasses does a great job, and so will coca cola., vinegar, etc. You can go on Youtube and see the recipe on the molasses-- five gallons from the feed store is cheap and will last a lifetime it seems. Thinned down... I've de-rusted a lot of stuff that way... just gotta' stir it around a bit every few days. Amazing. Stinks. I keep a 55 gallon plastic barrel ready to go with the stuff-- seems to last forever. --Burt in Maine On Mon, Mar 4, 2019 at 5:14 PM James Hymes <jamesehymes@gmail.com> wrote:
My CB has been stuck the past several times I've taken her (#69 M17(Not Coyote- I believe the boat named Coyote has the same number as mine, but was modified for racing - doesn't have a full cabin--but that 's not important right now). anyways, I drilled a 3/4" hole in the cockpit floor just aft of the doorway into the cabin above the CB . Drilled it there so that the steel rod will have good contact with the top of the stuck CB. I used a steel rod and a 10 lb sledgehammer, floated the boat but kept it on the trailer at the boat ramp. I was able to lower the CB a little, didn't have the motor so didn't want to have to struggle getting the boat back on the trailer in the wind - since it was not in open water I didn't get to see if it would drop all the way, will find that out next time. The last time I did sail with the CB up, it was too windy, and I was uncomfortable with the amount of heeling it did and also didnt point so well. I'm extremely hopefull the CB will drop all the way, cause if not I'll take ti and lift the boat on land and try wiggling the CB out while hitting it from above, may have to get drastic and cut open the keel and dig out the old steel slugs and replace with lead ballast - something I hope to avoid. If it works out, I'll put in some sort of plastic with a removable cap for the steel rod to fit into. I'll repost to let ya'll know if the sledge works. Jim in Denton Texas
Skipper On my M15 the steel ballast in the centerboard and keel rusted and expanded. To get the centerboard down I fabricated a puller I then replaced the CB with a lead filled board and replaced the keel ballast with lead. If you what more details sand me an email Captain Dos Colitas Skipper sailing vessel Pelican M-15 -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats <montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com> On Behalf Of Burton Lowry Sent: Monday, March 4, 2019 3:23 PM To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Subject: Re: M_Boats: Possible solution for stuck centerboard Hi James, Before you do something so drastic as to start cutting-- if it is rust that is the problem you may be able to do it chemically. I almost had to do this once.... Was going to pack the keel slot from underneath with clay to make it watertight, then fill it from above with something to eat rust. If not in a hurry, high sulfur molasses does a great job, and so will coca cola., vinegar, etc. You can go on Youtube and see the recipe on the molasses-- five gallons from the feed store is cheap and will last a lifetime it seems. Thinned down... I've de-rusted a lot of stuff that way... just gotta' stir it around a bit every few days. Amazing. Stinks. I keep a 55 gallon plastic barrel ready to go with the stuff-- seems to last forever. --Burt in Maine On Mon, Mar 4, 2019 at 5:14 PM James Hymes <jamesehymes@gmail.com> wrote:
My CB has been stuck the past several times I've taken her (#69 M17(Not Coyote- I believe the boat named Coyote has the same number as mine, but was modified for racing - doesn't have a full cabin--but that 's not important right now). anyways, I drilled a 3/4" hole in the cockpit floor just aft of the doorway into the cabin above the CB . Drilled it there so that the steel rod will have good contact with the top of the stuck CB. I used a steel rod and a 10 lb sledgehammer, floated the boat but kept it on the trailer at the boat ramp. I was able to lower the CB a little, didn't have the motor so didn't want to have to struggle getting the boat back on the trailer in the wind - since it was not in open water I didn't get to see if it would drop all the way, will find that out next time. The last time I did sail with the CB up, it was too windy, and I was uncomfortable with the amount of heeling it did and also didnt point so well. I'm extremely hopefull the CB will drop all the way, cause if not I'll take ti and lift the boat on land and try wiggling the CB out while hitting it from above, may have to get drastic and cut open the keel and dig out the old steel slugs and replace with lead ballast - something I hope to avoid. If it works out, I'll put in some sort of plastic with a removable cap for the steel rod to fit into. I'll repost to let ya'll know if the sledge works. Jim in Denton Texas
Jim: When was the last time the centerboard was dropped and sandblasted? Rust scale on the cast iron board can stick it in the trunk. :: Dave Scobie :: M17 #375 SWEET PEA - m17-375.com :: M6'8" #650 :: SV SWALLOW - sv-swallow.com On Mon, Mar 4, 2019, 3:14 PM James Hymes <jamesehymes@gmail.com> wrote:
My CB has been stuck the past several times I've taken her (#69 M17(Not Coyote- I believe the boat named Coyote has the same number as mine, but was modified for racing - doesn't have a full cabin--but that 's not important right now). anyways, I drilled a 3/4" hole in the cockpit floor just aft of the doorway into the cabin above the CB . Drilled it there so that the steel rod will have good contact with the top of the stuck CB. I used a steel rod and a 10 lb sledgehammer, floated the boat but kept it on the trailer at the boat ramp. I was able to lower the CB a little, didn't have the motor so didn't want to have to struggle getting the boat back on the trailer in the wind - since it was not in open water I didn't get to see if it would drop all the way, will find that out next time. The last time I did sail with the CB up, it was too windy, and I was uncomfortable with the amount of heeling it did and also didnt point so well. I'm extremely hopefull the CB will drop all the way, cause if not I'll take ti and lift the boat on land and try wiggling the CB out while hitting it from above, may have to get drastic and cut open the keel and dig out the old steel slugs and replace with lead ballast - something I hope to avoid. If it works out, I'll put in some sort of plastic with a removable cap for the steel rod to fit into. I'll repost to let ya'll know if the sledge works. Jim in Denton Texas
Any recommendations on how to block an M15 up from its trailer to see/tend to the centerboard? I was all ready to splash her to make sire the board operates well when the world froze solid for an extra month.... On Mon, Mar 4, 2019 at 3:46 PM Dave Scobie <scoobscobie@gmail.com> wrote:
Jim:
When was the last time the centerboard was dropped and sandblasted? Rust scale on the cast iron board can stick it in the trunk.
:: Dave Scobie :: M17 #375 SWEET PEA - m17-375.com :: M6'8" #650 :: SV SWALLOW - sv-swallow.com
On Mon, Mar 4, 2019, 3:14 PM James Hymes <jamesehymes@gmail.com> wrote:
My CB has been stuck the past several times I've taken her (#69 M17(Not Coyote- I believe the boat named Coyote has the same number as mine, but was modified for racing - doesn't have a full cabin--but that 's not important right now). anyways, I drilled a 3/4" hole in the cockpit floor just aft of the doorway into the cabin above the CB . Drilled it there so that the steel rod will have good contact with the top of the stuck CB. I used a steel rod and a 10 lb sledgehammer, floated the boat but kept it on the trailer at the boat ramp. I was able to lower the CB a little, didn't have the motor so didn't want to have to struggle getting the boat back on the trailer in the wind - since it was not in open water I didn't get to see if it would drop all the way, will find that out next time. The last time I did sail with the CB up, it was too windy, and I was uncomfortable with the amount of heeling it did and also didnt point so well. I'm extremely hopefull the CB will drop all the way, cause if not I'll take ti and lift the boat on land and try wiggling the CB out while hitting it from above, may have to get drastic and cut open the keel and dig out the old steel slugs and replace with lead ballast - something I hope to avoid. If it works out, I'll put in some sort of plastic with a removable cap for the steel rod to fit into. I'll repost to let ya'll know if the sledge works. Jim in Denton Texas
On my M15 I tried hammering a rod down from the top, and it caused a lot of damage to the inside of the centerboard trunk that took a lot of work to fix once I got the keel down, but it didn't move the centerboard at all. I would really strongly recommend against continuing with that course of action. What worked for me was building a puller and pulling down from the bottom, per a design posted by Captain Jim Sadler on this board. I am attaching the photos of the puller I made with just a dremel and standard hardware store parts. Sincerely, Tyler ----- Original Message ----- From: "James Hymes" <jamesehymes@gmail.com> To: "For and about Montgomery Sailboats" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Monday, March 4, 2019 2:12:02 PM Subject: M_Boats: Possible solution for stuck centerboard My CB has been stuck the past several times I've taken her (#69 M17(Not Coyote- I believe the boat named Coyote has the same number as mine, but was modified for racing - doesn't have a full cabin--but that 's not important right now). anyways, I drilled a 3/4" hole in the cockpit floor just aft of the doorway into the cabin above the CB . Drilled it there so that the steel rod will have good contact with the top of the stuck CB. I used a steel rod and a 10 lb sledgehammer, floated the boat but kept it on the trailer at the boat ramp. I was able to lower the CB a little, didn't have the motor so didn't want to have to struggle getting the boat back on the trailer in the wind - since it was not in open water I didn't get to see if it would drop all the way, will find that out next time. The last time I did sail with the CB up, it was too windy, and I was uncomfortable with the amount of heeling it did and also didnt point so well. I'm extremely hopefull the CB will drop all the way, cause if not I'll take ti and lift the boat on land and try wiggling the CB out while hitting it from above, may have to get drastic and cut open the keel and dig out the old steel slugs and replace with lead ballast - something I hope to avoid. If it works out, I'll put in some sort of plastic with a removable cap for the steel rod to fit into. I'll repost to let ya'll know if the sledge works. Jim in Denton Texas
participants (9)
-
Alex Conley -
Bob Eeg -
Burton Lowry -
casioqv＠usermail.com -
Dave Scobie -
Doug 9326 -
James Hymes -
Jim Sadler -
Peter Zimowsky