Re: centerboard in a shoal draft keel boat
lp_gilbert, I don't agree with what you say about the centerboard on your boat.
Generally, shoal draft keels don't develop a whole lot of lift, and lowering the centerboard is required in order to sail close hauled. I have observed this myself on the 192, if I don't lower the CB, I make a TON of leeway trying to sail close hauled. This is similar for the Precision line of boats, the 18 and 21 for sure, which are also shoal keel/CB combos.
As is generally the case with any CB boat, the further off the wind you go, the less CB you need. I might still keep the CB down for close reaching, but anything beam reaching or lower, I definitely pull the CB up. Plus, when I do that on a run, I can keep up with a Beneteau 235 in light airs if I pole out my jib
That being said, if you have too much weather helm with your CB down while close hauled, more than 3º-5º, then I think you need to tune your rig, and re-adjust your mast rake forward some. Also, take a look at the lifting rudder blade, and make sure it goes down as far as it can. If the rudder blade goes back aft, and doesn't go down all the way, then it will induce excessive weather helm.
I made some mods to my rudder headstock this winter, and as a result, the blade doesn't go down quite as far as it used to. I can definitely feel more weather helm, and I'm hoping this weekend to play around with different wind speeds, and possibly rake the mast forward a little bit. I don't think my boat feels as balanced as it did last season before the mods...