An update -
It was embarrassing, but our board became stuck a few weeks ago and our "un-sticker rod" wouldn't free it. I was checking it prior to the MD Governor's Cup race and it went down without trouble, but became stuck when I cranked it up. I used the rod and tried it free it using a small 8oz hammer, but was unsuccessful. A couple of weeks later on the morning of the race, I decided to give it one last try since I really wanted to use the board for the race.
We loosened the
winch cable a few turns and used a 16 oz hammer. I gave the rod a couple of sharp hits and the board dropped the few inches allowed by the cable slack. We then raised and lowered the board a few times to ensure that it wouldn't get stuck again. I haven't been over the side to check whether I damaged the board because it's prime jelly fish season on the Chesapeake.
The first lesson lesson learned is to use a bigger hammer in the future. The second lesson is that when we haul for the winter, I'll make sure that I have a long stick with a putty knife duct taped to the end and clean out the centerboard case. I'll also try to
paint the inside of the case while the boat is in the slings prior to launching.
