centerboard + rock = stuck

[gabond]

1974 DS II: not sure how to proceed. We apparently hit a rock coming into the buoy yesterday (didn't hear anything though), centerboard now stuck in half position, no tension on rope, can't move up or down.

1) Brute method: should I just get a couple of relatives and try to yahoo it around?
2) Subtle method: should I careen the thing and try to follow Roger's book (not anxious to go there)

Would appreciate any advice--thanks.

Jerry

[Roger]

Given your symptoms, I suspect your lines are wedged alongside your cb. The easiest fix for this, assuming your boat is still in the water, is to go under it, and pull the board back down. There is enough leverage there, that it should free the lines. If not use a narrow stick, like a yard stick to push them back to the front of the cb, since you now have the whole cb slot open and can see up into it, (assuming clear water, and a snorkel mask). A gentle pull from the lines above, should then pop them back into place.

Next time you are in potentially shallow water, sail with your downhaul uncleated. You really only need it to pull the board down.

[gabond]

Son-in-law cleated it off w/o my knowledge! Now we are going out to pull away while there is no wind, and I hope to sail again this weekend. That is what we were going to do, but I thought I would check with people who have been thinking about this stuff for a while...

Appreciate your help.

J