I can't seem to get into the archieves so I'll ask here. Beside the obvious (how far has the line moved)has anyone come up with something to let you know the relative position of the centerboard (all up, all down, halfway). Yeah, I know, I'm trying to make it more complicated than need be, but I have some VERY shallow areas I pass over, also narrow, and I'd like to have as much control as possible without banging the board. Fair winds, Bill
Center Board position
- Thread starter Bill P.
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magic marker
I have not done this yet, but if you have a tape measure you dont mind imersing, and warm enough water to swim in with mask and snorkel, you could have an assistant lower the board to positions determined by you and your tape measure, and at the points you select your assistant could mark the centerboard control line with a indelible marker, to get fancy, you can choose different colors for different positions (red for 1' deployed, blue for 2' deployed, green for 3' deployed etc..)
I have not done this yet, but if you have a tape measure you dont mind imersing, and warm enough water to swim in with mask and snorkel, you could have an assistant lower the board to positions determined by you and your tape measure, and at the points you select your assistant could mark the centerboard control line with a indelible marker, to get fancy, you can choose different colors for different positions (red for 1' deployed, blue for 2' deployed, green for 3' deployed etc..)
why mark it?
It will just flip back if you hit something. The rudder is more to worry about. Try to know how deep the water is in the first place or use your depth sounder, or use your board as a depth sounder. The board is only at a 45 degree angle all the way up anyway. I would not waste time marking it. nelson
It will just flip back if you hit something. The rudder is more to worry about. Try to know how deep the water is in the first place or use your depth sounder, or use your board as a depth sounder. The board is only at a 45 degree angle all the way up anyway. I would not waste time marking it. nelson
Board Location
Nelson, I realize that the board should move up if it hits bottom - I'd just rather not do it - the area is narrow (entrance to our bayou) and can have some considerable crosswinds. BTW, my centerboard goes all the way up (basically flush) - your email suggests that yours does not? Wonder which is the norm? Also, I' don't have a depthsounder - next project - and I can readily see the rudder position. Thanks for the comments. Bill P.
Nelson, I realize that the board should move up if it hits bottom - I'd just rather not do it - the area is narrow (entrance to our bayou) and can have some considerable crosswinds. BTW, my centerboard goes all the way up (basically flush) - your email suggests that yours does not? Wonder which is the norm? Also, I' don't have a depthsounder - next project - and I can readily see the rudder position. Thanks for the comments. Bill P.
Backing Is the Problem
Bill, I'm just east of you at Big Lagoon with an H26. Rob's sugestion is a good one. Usually rubbing bottom is not too bad, but if you try to back up, THAT could cause some real problems with your centerboard and hull. My depth sounder is on the blitz and I just recently tried to go into Little Sabine Bay near Pensacola Beach. Its entrance is narrow and the bay is shallow. It was harrowing. That very night I ordered a Raymarine ST40 Depth sounder. Bottom line (excuse the pun), raise the centerboard BEFORE you hit bottom.... but ya gotta know where the bottom is! BrianW
Bill, I'm just east of you at Big Lagoon with an H26. Rob's sugestion is a good one. Usually rubbing bottom is not too bad, but if you try to back up, THAT could cause some real problems with your centerboard and hull. My depth sounder is on the blitz and I just recently tried to go into Little Sabine Bay near Pensacola Beach. Its entrance is narrow and the bay is shallow. It was harrowing. That very night I ordered a Raymarine ST40 Depth sounder. Bottom line (excuse the pun), raise the centerboard BEFORE you hit bottom.... but ya gotta know where the bottom is! BrianW
Centerboard down when up
Having some history with our centerboard and several conversations with Hunter, the board does hang down and leave a gap of 6-8 inches betweeen the hull and the centerboard. This may be about 30-45 degrees. It will kick up farther and does go all the way up on the trailer. BUT if you pull it all the way up and then lift the boat, the board drops down. Hunter has confirmed to me that this is the way it is.
Having some history with our centerboard and several conversations with Hunter, the board does hang down and leave a gap of 6-8 inches betweeen the hull and the centerboard. This may be about 30-45 degrees. It will kick up farther and does go all the way up on the trailer. BUT if you pull it all the way up and then lift the boat, the board drops down. Hunter has confirmed to me that this is the way it is.
Bottom Line???
So, given that apparently a number of folks have a situation where their centerboard hangs down a tad when "full up", what does everyone think their draft is with the board "UP"??? Fair winds, Bill P.
So, given that apparently a number of folks have a situation where their centerboard hangs down a tad when "full up", what does everyone think their draft is with the board "UP"??? Fair winds, Bill P.
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