Center Board Question...

[BlueRunner]

The manual on page 35 says in BOLD PRINT to inspect the centerboard assembly ONCE a year. I'm wondering how many 170 sailors out there do this inspection? Looks like a real chore including turning the boat on its side to complete this procedure. And where would a person do that? Shallow water? Certainly could not do it on a trailer.

I'm thinking this page was put in the manual by the Hunter lawyers just in case the centerboard failed. The procedure doesn't even say what to look for.

Are we worried about the centerboard "departing" the boat? I never allow my center board to freefall down to prevent "shock" to the pivot pin.

This inspection looks way out of my league.

 

[Ed Schenck]

You are probably right, a liability CYA addendum. My old marina, being a Hunter dealer, would lift smaller sailboats with the rack shed forklift for inspection. But even then what can you really see?

I have wondered why so many centerboarders have not copied the simple Highlander design. There is no hardware in the trunk. It is adjustable for upwind/downwind. And you can lift it out(75#) to fair and paint. From 1958 to today.