Cutting the Centerboard Slot

The centerboard is lowered when the sail is raised. It is a piece of wood that project 2-3 feet below the bottom of the boat and is there to resist the force of the wind from pushing the boat sideways. Sort of like the tail on an airplane, it helps track the boat forward.

I have made a 3/4" wide opening along the center line of the keel. This will be the first step in the construction of a "box" to contain it when it is in an upright position.

It was a fairly easy operation. Drawing the limits out in pencil, I plunged my circular saw into the wood and cut it from one end to the other.

I finished the cut with my hand saw then used my saber saw to cut the ends.