HUNTER 22 CENTERBOARD, Please help

[Scott]

I am venturing for the first time into the world of sailing. I picked up a Hunter 22 in horrible condition and re-worked it.Now, I have it in a slip that is 5ft deep, maybe as low as 3 feet in low tide. On low tide, my center board, in the raisedposition, is dragging on the bottom. The specs say the they boat only draws 23 inches. Is my centerboard hanging down in a low position?Is it possible that this boat really draws 3+ feet? Do I need to pay for a deeper slip? Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[mike]

H22 draft

Scott - is the centerboard secured in the up position? there's the cam cleat to secure the rope plus I also added another small standard cleat that I tie off on to ensure that the rope doesn't slip or creep. Also, take a look at recent pictures in the H22 photo forums and you'll see an example of a centerboard that doesn't fully retract up into the keel (similar to mine). My draft with board up is more than 2 feet but probably less than 3 feet (it's in a slip now so I can't measure exactly)

 

[David]

"Thump"

Scott, when I pull my centerboard all the way up I hear a definite 'thump' as it bumps against the hull. I'm not sure if everyone hears that, but I'd say if you do, it's all the way up. With it up, she doesn't draw much water at all, we've been in some pretty shallow stuff.david "sea monkeys"

 

[Chuck]

Well........

Many 22s boards, (mine included) don't make it all the way up. They hang about 2 to 3 inches off the keel. This isn't really the concern however... If the cable or rope handling your dropkeel snaps, your keel is done for in less than 7 feet of water. (wave/wake action adds the additional 2 feet.)

 

[Seth]

Would go deeper

Scott;Another couple things to think about...the board resting/banging on the bottom may jam your board in the up position (happened to me couple times) and will also damage the glass on the portion of the board that hits the hull (chewed mine up). You may want to find a slip thats deeper or a mooring...that board is a pain in the arse to pull and fix! ...Seth

 

[Johnny]

Mooring

I just set my Helix and made certain it was in 4' at low tide. The owners manual does say 23" with keel up, but I dont like takeing chances just in case a line snaps or a gudgeon breaks. (or any other mechanical mishap) that may cause the Keel to Swing Down. I druther use my Dink to get onboard and then take her to a Dock to put any Supplies on her. This is me first Swing Keel Sailboat, so I am treating it as if it was a Full Keel, for now. And will prolly continue to do so.JohnnyHun22#032