First time out

[Bee]

Well we finally got to go out on our boat this past weekend. There wasn't much wind which was good considering we really have no experience in this yet. But I did have a queastion. What is that humming noise that the center board makes? And how far down should I lower it? I lowered it until the cable was still wrapped around the winch twice. I am literally learning as I go so any advise is helpful. Thanks.

 

[Ol' Dave]

It Might be the CableOl Dave

Bee,You didn't mention the make and model of you boat BUT the noise you mention could very well be the cable itself vibrating. Some skippers like it beause it gives them more feedback on how fast they are moving. I don't like it and loosen the cable enough so that it stops. I also use my lock down bolt to secure the swing keel in place. Many prefer to let the keel be free, in the case of an accidental grounding, the keel may swing free OR it is an easy job to raise it.I sail a Mac 25 and it has a LOT of cable still on the winch when it is let all the way out. Check to see if a previous owner may have shortened the cable ... maybe as the result of a cable break. It is important to be able to lower a swing keel ALL the way down. Look for an observation hole near the pivot point of the keel, That's where the locking bolt will go.Ol' Dave

 

[Bob]

Hummer

The humming is coming from a harmonic vibration of the cable. Sometimes putting a slight strain on the cable will quiet it, though not always. It is nothing to worry about too much - on some boats it's an indicator that you are maxed out on speed, thus a happy sound. You generally want to lower it all the way until there is some slack, as the board will then rest against its "stop," but you can tension the cable a little to keep the noise down if you want. It's a good idea to take the strain off the cable whenever you can to prolong its life, though.

 

[Steve]

A suggestion

While tied to the dock, you may want to mark your keel line for various centerboard positions. While it is obvious you want your centerboard all the way down while pointing high, and you can tell when it is all the way down while sailing, the same can not be said for quarter, half or three quarters down. Experience on the water will tell you how your boat points at different centerboard depths. One way to mark your line would be to sew yarn through your nylon line at the different settings. When the board is all the way up, you can make your permanent markings at your leisure. Same theory as marking your various jib car positions on the deck for various conditions... instant settings for the encountered conditions. Good luck. Steve