Just purchased a 1998 H240. Following launch, I attempted to release the centerboard uphaul line to lower the centerboard. The line didn't seem to budge more than a couple of inches... Leading me to question if the centerboard is in the up or down position. The uphaul line on the deck is slack, but when I pull on it it doesn't seem to budge. So... does anyone have any ideas on how I can determine what position the centerboard is in, other than taking the boat out of the water??? And, if the centerboard is somehow jammed in the up position, does anyone have any idea if this will effect the ballast capabilities or the sailing characteristics of the boat?
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Visual Inspection Underwater
Other than lifting the boat out of the water, the only way I can think of to verify centerboard position is to jump into the water and look for yourself. Once there, you can see if there are any obstructions and even manually raise or lower the centerboard (make sure it's uncleated). Sailing the boat with the centerboard up will not have any effect on ballast if the ballast tank is full. BUT, the boat will not track in a straight course and the wind will blow you on a somewhat sideways course. The only point of sail that won't be affected is directly downwind. BrianW
Other than lifting the boat out of the water, the only way I can think of to verify centerboard position is to jump into the water and look for yourself. Once there, you can see if there are any obstructions and even manually raise or lower the centerboard (make sure it's uncleated). Sailing the boat with the centerboard up will not have any effect on ballast if the ballast tank is full. BUT, the boat will not track in a straight course and the wind will blow you on a somewhat sideways course. The only point of sail that won't be affected is directly downwind. BrianW
Every now and then this question comes up. Usually this occurs on boats that have spent a lot of time in the water. Critters and Crud are the usual culprit.
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