My centerboard keeps coming up when it blows.  Currently we tie a bit of string onto the hoop to stop it but that is a bit hit and miss!  My crew doesn't like the idea of tightening the brake any more as it is already stiff to get up and down on certain parts of the travel so we want some extra assistance.  Options appear to be a) a simple string to a cleat on the c/b case (Jacko, Dan A), b) the Winder strings to the side of the boat (2x up and down I think but complex retro fit and a pain to use when I tried it in a borrowed boat) or c) Winder Fireball scheme (all in the c/b case with 2x up and down).

What do people recommend and why?

Thanks in advance

Can you work out why it is stiff at other times? It ought to be just the water pressure opposing your desired movement.

I wasn't clear.  It is not that it varies from time to time but is stiff as the board comes right up tinto the case.

NB The boat is a Winder CT

Inside part of case not symmetrical? It must rub differently as it rises. Have to have a good look inside. My only thought is to glue a thin sheet of plastic over one part to build it up? There must be a better way though. Suppose you ought to check the boar isn't warped too.

Hi Dave
I guess the borrowed boat was mine? If we ever have enough money to get another one we would not go for the side option. Jayne cannot move it when its windy. I guess the Ozzie way from the middle is best.
Craig
PS Headache on Sunday?......we did!

How about using elastic to keep it down and a rope and block method to pull it up? Works very well on some of our boats. The old Merlin has a circle of elastic round the back of the centreboard case, under the thwart then round the handle of the centreboard and we just flip the elastic off the handle when we want to bring the board right up.

P.S. Ours is also stiff on the last bit as it comes up as it fights its way through the slot gasket.

No comment!

If your crew finds the last bit too much work, you can always have a 2:1 with a grab handle in the middle, to pull it up. Doesn't have to have a cleat - thats the beauty of it.