[Rhodes22-list] Biological Centerboard Fouling/Jamming - A Serious Issue?

[Steve Alm]

Roger, et al,
I sail in the fresh waters of the Minnesota lakes and I've never had a
problem.  We've had our R22 for several years and I've never done any
maintenance on our CB.  It sticks in the up position sometimes but it seems
to be because of the tack we're on.  If I luff up sharply and then quickly
fall off again, then the board drops.  So it might be fouled a little but
not much--and it doesn't seem to be getting any worse.
Slim  

On 12/3/04 2:49 PM, "Roger Pihlaja" <cen09402 at centurytel.net> wrote:

> Hi All,
> 
> Richard Smith has brought up the issue of fouling on the centerboard & inside
> the centerboard trunk as being a potentially serious maintenance issue on
> Rhodes 22's.  It is apparently only a serious issue for those of us that sail
> in severly fouling waters, like down south.
> 
> I've been a member of the Rhodes List about as long as anyone.  In all that
> time, I can't recall anyone except Richard ever mentioning biological fouling
> as being a prime cause of jamming the centerboard up inside in the trunk.
> According to Richard, it's a fairly significant maintenance issue for folks in
> his area that sail centerboard boats. (Rockaway Inlet?)
> 
> If there really is an issue here, it should be more widely known.  How
> widespread is the problem?  How are other folks managing to deal with the
> problem?  It may even rate its own FAQ topic.
> 
> So, I'm asking all Rhodes 22 sailors, what has been your experience with
> biological fouling & subsequent jamming of your centerboards?  Please don't be
> shy about responding.  This is the sort of discussion the Rhodes List was
> created to encourage.  If you sail in warm water & haven't experienced the
> problem; then, tell us where you sail.  Perhaps the problem is very localized.
> 
> Roger Pihlaja
> S/V Dynamic Equilibrium
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