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Hi all, Last week I was enjoying a beautiful day on the lake and not paying attention to the lake chart when I started hearing noises, sort of a grinding sound. I quickly realized I was in about 12 inches or so of water and it was the centerboard dragging. I pulled up the centerboard, fired up the outboard, and moved off. Now: I remember some time back there were those who needed to get the boat off the trailer to inspect the bottom, but I can't seem to find those postings. Any help on this? Anyone actually been able to get the boat on and off ? I remember one suggestion was use of a helo:that one is out. Any help would be appreciated. thanks, captain charlie

The thread called "centerboard of doom" discusses getting the boat off the trailer to get at the centerboard. I hope that helps.

Hi Capt. Charlie,

I had to get the Chucky B. off the trailer last spring and it isn't as bad as you'd think. First I removed as much weight as possible including the internal ballast under the floor boards. Then my daughters boyfriend and I just pushed it off after wetting down the keel trough. My wife and daughter held it upright until we were ready to lay it over on a couple truck inner tubes. To put it back on we just lifted it upright and winched it back on the trailer. The key was wetting down the carpeting on the trough and bunks.

Take care,

Chris

Thanks for the advice; I'll try it. The only thing worrying me is the part about just lifting it up ; may need help with that, me thinks. captain charlie

Charlie,

Check out my post, "Modifications to Trailex Trailer." I removed the bottom board from the keel trough and replaced it with rollers from Trailex (John H. is OK with the mod.). This allows me to inspect the keel and, if need be, roll the boat back and forward for further inspection/repair. If the bow stop and winch supports are moved forward a bit, you can roll the boat far enough forward to lower the centerboard. (You may need some help rolling the boat, and leave the winch attached to prevent rolling it too far back.)

I have liked the roller mod very much so far. I can make quick inspections any time, make repairs, and the keel drains water off instead of sitting on soggy carpet. The side boards stay in place to guide the keel.

Also, Jamestown Distributors has a couple of relatively inexpensive lifts at http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=98161 ($600) and http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=59042&familyName=JD+Boat+Lift+System ($900). The $600 model allows you to lift the boat about a foot above the trailer. Removing the bottom keel-trough board might allow you to drop the centerboard all the way, provided the trailer's cross-member does not get in the way. The $900 model stands on the ground and you can then pull the trailer out of the way after lifting the boat. I think getting all the weight you can (including ballast) out of the boat is a good idea if using these lifts. Safer, and less pressure on the hull at the lift points.

(I hope these ideas are helpful. Looks like we won't get a chance to sail this year unless an unusual warm spell comes. Otherwise, looking forward to spring.)

Dana