H26 centerboard removal

[Zapadda]

I have my H26 on the trailer in my shop. I am a ways from a boat yard so would like to lift and paint the boat bottom and replace the centerboard haul up line here. I have figured out how I may lift and support the boat above the trailer using concrete blocking then if more clearance is needed taking the tires off the trailer.
My question is, can the centerboard be dropped if not in a vertical position? If I got, say a foot of clearance below the centerboard in the horizontal position could it be removed, or am I just dreaming?

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

although others might try, I suggest a yard with a travel lift for the centerboard and if you are replacing the line, do not put a 1/2 inch line on but the one smaller to it.

 

[BrianW]

Dave speaks from terrible accidents that have occurred from folks using DIY methods to lift boats. Many do it successfully, but a LOT can go wrong, so do it right. If you lift from your trailer, think it through very carefully and research the method. You mention lifting onto concrete blocks. If you do, make sure the block openings face up and down. A former forum contributor stated that 16" is the magic vertical height clearance above the trailer for the centerboard bracket to drop and clear the trailer. It probably would be good to add a couple of inches to that height just to be sure. BrianW

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Thank you Brian

dave condon

 

[Ray Bowles]

When I dropped the c/b out of my 95 H26 I raised the hull and pulled the trailer out from under the boat. It made it much easier to work on as there was open space to move around. I supported the boat with cross beams front and rear and added additional dunnage after the trailer was out for additional safety. The total time to jack it up and return it onto the trailer was about 7 hours. Actual time for the c/b repair was less than 4 hours. Since I sailed fresh water I did not paint the hull.
Use high quality line when replacing the control line but check its' abrasion quality.
Ray

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

To all to include Ray, there are many who do not know a proper way to do certain things and be safe which is why I always remain on the side of safety. Therefore, I am cautious as Brian W. has pointed out and the aftermath I have seen with little emphasis on the boats as you cannot replace human misery in injuries or death.

For those attempting to do anything, always have safety in mind. Keep a cell phone with you or on your own person in case of accidents but above all have someone with you just in case of any accident that could happen.

As for placing any boat on beams, cans, foam blocks and so forth, make damn sure and I mean sure that there is bracing sideways to keep any boat from tipping over which is something I often see not mentioned in these things. In the end, you might save a few bucks but for a novice, is it worth it to experience pain in the event of an accident.

I go by experience as well. When I first starting selling sailboats, I use to have boats shipped in sitting on trailers with no swing keels attached. One of the first attempts to a novice was putting a swing keel in at home. Well to make a long story short, that 650 pound keel ended up on my chest and arm. I was thankful to have the rescue squad around the corner and my wife heard my screams. The pain of cracked ribs and fractured arm are things I do not want others to experience. I was grateful to God for not being killed.

crazy dave condon