Ours sometimes does not drop down right away but pulling up and releasing on the rope a few times and then motoring seems to do the trick.  I would not be too quick to go for a swim.  You are likely just dealing with some algae and scum.  Being in the water for a bit might also help.

Ken

On May 18, 2023 at 2:08:46 PM, Peter via Rhodes22-list (
rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org) wrote:


Hi Michael,
Seems like I'm gonna get wet before this gets solved. Sure glad this isn't
a 600 pound iron swing keel!
To the best of my knowledge the boat has been sailed in freshwater lakes,
so while not impossible, I think marine growth is unlikely. I'll plan on
some pressure from Below while someone controls the line from the cockpit,
unless it comes free from motor vibration. I'm hoping not to put it on the
trailer until sometime in October, so maybe I'll sail with it "up" until
then.

Thanks for your thoughts

Peter On Thursday, May 18, 2023, 01:09:50 PM EDT, Michael D. Weisner <
mweisner at ebsmed.com> wrote:

Hi Peter,

The reason that the centerboard fails to lower can be for many reasons. The
line or tackle might be jammed, a sheeve has broken or the board may be
stuck in the centerboard trunk due to an obstruction. Simply pulling up and
releasing the centerboard line may free the board. I do not recommend
allowing the board to drop freely to its bottom position as it can damage
the pivot hardware or the trunk.

Since I am based in the Long Island Sound, if my board movement becomes
restricted, I always think of marine growth such as mussels or barnacles on
the sides of the board or inside of the trunk. Some folks have been
successful at releasing the board by sliding a thin piece of plastic
alongside the board from underneath to dislodge the obstruction, marine
life or stones. Be very careful as the marine growth can be very sharp and
may cause infection if you are cut by it.

The best solution, of course, is to retrieve the craft from the water and
open the centerboard trunk after removing the cabin sole (floor). There are
some 60 bolts holding the cap to the trunk. This can require several hours
or a day to complete, including applying bottom paint to the board and the
interior of the trunk. Usually, the gasket can be reused,

The most common solution is to sail for the season with the board up and
work on the centerboard while on the hard for winter. This will limit your
ability to point close to the wind and control side slippage BUT YOU WILL
BE SAILING!

Mike
s/v Wind Lass ('91)
Nissequogue River, NY
I’d rather be sailing :~)

-----Original Message-----
From: Rhodes22-list <rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org> On Behalf Of Peter
via Rhodes22-list
Sent: Thursday, May 18, 2023 8:46 AM
To: rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org
Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Centerboard stuck

Hi all,
  So my new-to-me '86 rhodes is in the water  at her slip.  I'm doing a few
projects before taking her out for a first sail.
Just to get a feel for the centerboard weight I uncleated the line
and....nothing, didn't move a bit.  Before I dive in and try pulling on the
board, I thought I'd ask if there's another (warmer) approach to freeing a
stuck centerboard.

Thanks as always,
      Peter