How to Replace a Centerboard on a Catboat

"Catboat" is a generic term for a variety of single-mast sailboats developed for fishing and transport off New England and New York in the 19th century. Modern catboats are used mostly as day-cruising pleasure craft. Half as wide as it is long, a typical 18-foot catboat accommodates four adults and can sail in waters as shallow as 2 feet with the centerboard up. Catboats are designed with adjustable centerboards beneath the boat to oppose the lateral force produced by the sails. The centerboard is lowered through a slot in the hull, called a centerboard case, and protrudes beneath the boat at a 45-degree angle. Catboat centerboards may be PVC, metal or wood and often have lead weight added.

Instructions

    • 1

      Grasp the lifting rope or cable attached to the centerboard. Loosen the locking bolt that pins the centerboard in the centerboard case. Usually it is a stainless steel bolt threaded through a bushing.

    • 2

      Hoist the centerboard up and out of the centerboard case using the lifting rope.

    • 3

      Insert the replacement centerboard into the centerboard case and tighten the locking bolt to pin it in place temporarily.

    • 4

      Adjust the position of the replacement centerboard according to sailing conditions.

    • 5

      Grasp the lifting rope, release the locking bolt and lower the centerboard all the way when sailing into the wind to prevent sideslipping. Tighten the locking bolt to secure the centerboard.

    • 6

      Grasp the lifting rope, release the locking bolt and hoist the centerboard one-third of the way up when sailing at right angles to the wind on either port or starboard tack. Tighten the locking bolt to secure the centerboard.

    • 7

      Grasp the lifting rope, release the locking bolt and hoist the centerboard all the way up when sailing with light winds astern to decrease resistance and boost speed. Tighten the locking bolt to secure the centerboard.