Lets not forget that the older pre 1987 M_15s had steel shot for ballast. While most of these boats are fine, a number of them had (over the years) water intrude into the keel and start rusting the steel shot. As the steel rusts, the keel swells up and squeezes the centerboard. All M_15 centerboards pre 1987 also were fiberglass with steel shot inside. These also could swell up over the years and get stuck in the up position. The weight of all these fiberglass/steel shot boards was close to 45 pounds. Never more than about 47 pounds. All the M_boats after 1987, both in the 15 and 17 have lead instead of steel for ballast material inside the keel and inside the 45 pound centerboard.
I doubt that Tom has dirt holding the board up. More likely the board, keel trunk or both has swelled up and is now stuck. Same for you Jim. Once you get the board out it has to be made thinner so it won't be sticky. (sand smooth and carefully remove some of the material on the fat part). We use nothing but pure lead. No rust, no swelling. Fair winds Bob (949) 489-8227 Robert Eeg [EMAIL PROTECTED] Why Wait? Move to EarthLink. _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats
