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Dan, Mike, et 'al,
We go through a lot of discussions on this board
about problems with centerboards, attachment points, cables, fouled
centerboard trunks, etc.
Many of us may have formed opinions about the use
of centerboards based upon previous experiences--often from experiences with
boats featuring keels that served as both keel and centerboard. The SJ23 is
obviously different. We never have an option to operate without a keel
thanks to the excellent design of our SJ23s. But the centerboard is truly an
option to respect and understand.
Our SJ23 centerboard is simply a metal fin, that,
while somewhat awkward to handle while repairing the cable and simultaneously
standing on your head underwater, is simply a flat fin surface that increases
the counterbalance stability under sail --particularly enhancing the boat's
reaction to heeling. This fin which extends our draft from 1'-11"
(centerboard up) to 4'-9" (centerboard fully down) produces very little drag in
straight forward motion, yet increases drag when coming about too quickly, or
during tight maneuvering in harborside/marina/docking scenarios. (The
weight--approximately 750 lbs. in the fixed portion of the
keel-- provides for primary stability.)
Unless you are cornering more than
20-degrees while traveling above 4 knots in the harbor, the centerboard draft is
of negligible affect or value. (A more effective technique for creating drag is
to "fan" the rudder quickly. Although you'll want to announce your technique to
others on board ahead of time.)
Leaving the centerboard down all the
time--especially at mooring in saltwater conditions and during
high-temp(underwater growth) seasons in freshwater--especially in shallower
harbor depths-- invites fouling your centerboard with the same underwater growth
that attacks your hull. This also risks fouling the attachment point of your
adjustment cable and the clogging of the centerboard trunk on the bottom of the
keel. It's the beginning of many more complex problems.
Centerboards are absolutely essential under
sail--never risk sailing without one you can control or adjust as desired. Any
other time, put 'em back in "the box."
D. Wendal
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