Boards (Center and Rudder) - Up or Down?

[tcrespo]

I'm always looking for opinions... Boat in the slip on a fresh water lake - some chop from the passing boats. Do you leave your centerboard up or down? Do you take your rudder off when leaving for the day or leave it tied off?This question came up due to a broken pintle. Went to check on the boat today, and the lower pintle on my rudder had broken loose - I'm guessing due to age and the fatigue of the waves constantly hitting it. Fortunately I had a safety line on the rudder and it didn't float away!Thanks - Tom

 

[Ross]

Tom, that was a good time to have that break.

much better than in the middle of the lake with the wind blowing like stink. I like to see the boats with the board down, they roll less in the chop. Sometimes two boats will berth with the boards up and they tangle their spreaders.

 

[tcrespo]

You're right...

Good point - from that perspective, I was definitely lucky. Of course, it wouldn't be the first time that I've been towed back to port with a pouty look on my face...

 

[RichH]

UP

Less fatigue and impact on the centerboard trunk and pivot. If (when) the centerboard trunk wears out and springs a leak it will be at the 'corners' where the board to trunk impact occurs. If the rujdder is removable, then off or 'up'; otherwise, tiller-tied so that its not loose to swing on its own.

 

[Tom Atkins]

Up and Up

Up and Up - but then I park in 2' of water. I notice that many tillers on small boats rot on the front from keeping the tiller up with the bottom 2" still in the water. Best to lift the tiller out of the water and hang it on something.