Centerboard Gasket -- Leak?

[John Stevens]

The centerboard gasket on my DS1 drips a little water. After sailing for an hour or so I have to sponge up a little around the keelson.

I have tightened the screws a little but it makes it that much harder to move the board. Is it normal to leak a little or should I replace the gasket?

Does anyone out there sail completely dry?

TIA,

John

[GreenLake]

Usually I have no more water in the boat than I can account for from spray or taking waves (wakes) over the stern. In other words, on a calm day I'd expect to see no moare water in the boat than from dripping paddles.

However, on a recent trip, someone spotted a regular drip from the gasket and we immeditately tightened the screws until it stopped.

The lever is hard to move, indeed, but I haven't noticed water since then (and as far as I remember, the lever's always been hard to move). I always assumed the friction was intentional to keep the board set at the selected angle at higher speeds.