Board Up or Down on the Mooring?

[Tom Patrolia]

Our O'Day 19 will be off the trailer and on a mooring for the first time in Salem Harbor this summer. Rudy of D&R Marine recommends that the centerboard be left down for stability from wake, storm surge, etc. The mooring company believes that this is unnecessary and will invite growth in the trunk causing sticking problems.Any thoughts on board up or board down while on the mooring?Thanks,Tom.

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

Down

Tom -When I had my daysailer moored out I left the board down for a couple of reasons. The first was for stability as Rudy points out. The second is because if I get some growth and the board sticks I'd rather it stick down then up so I can sail the boat. If it sticks down you can still work it up at the end of the season to trailer it.Your centerboard slot should be bottom painted. Board up or down the bottom of the apature is in the water and if there is no protection there will be growth.Justin - O'day Owners' Web

 

[Rod Johnson]

Halfway or less

I leave the board on my DS II about 1/3 of the way down while moored. Any further down and it bangs, and less and it tends to stick, also the boat will sail around more on the mooring if the board is completely retracted, think of a light weight bowl or plate on the water. The CB does not really provide any great stability, the ballast in the bilge of your O'Day 19 provides the stability, but it is true that a lowered CB will somewhat dampen the roll of the boat. The partly lowered board does give directional stability though, no mater how little or much board is exposed. You should lower the board at least part way while powering to aid steering.

 

[GaryB]

19 Keel question

The swing keel on my 19 bangs around a bunch when not moving. I cannot believe the constant side to side movement/banging can be all that helpful to the pivot mechanism in the long run. I have successfully moored with keel up without problems and cannot see any reason to leave it down. Plus it keeps the pendant from getting slimy! My vote is "up".

 

[Pat Corbett]

I vote half way...

I keep her on the mooring all summer, with the board halfway down. It seems to reduce roll, and I can grab what protrudes to pull it down if it sticks. (The tide is too low to put it all the way down). She's going in - in 2 weeks! (After painting, which will include the board and the well, as far as the brush will reach).(And as soon as I get some replies to my painting questions...).