Stuck centreplate

[pij27]

I have a stuck centreplate on a seafarer 18. Can't see anything obvious as to why it is stuck or how it should be operated. Any ideas or thoughts? Should I think of taking her out of the water to investigate further?

 

[William_H]

Is that a swing keel or vertical lifting keel? In either case there may be a cover over the centre board case which can be removed to expose the top of the keel. You may be able to give the keel a poke with a rod to dislodge it. Presumably intended to drop by gravity but winched up. Try lifting then dropping. If vertically lifting try a change of pitch of the boat ie weight forward or back. Obviously make sure winch and cable are releasing the keel. Probably jambed up with stones or barnacle growth. If you pull it out of the water you will need to get the boat up on trestles or similar to allow room for the keel to drop when it does release. So don't be in a hurry to pull from the water. If it is a swing keel is it right up or partially down. If partially down you may be able to swim under and give it a push forward. If vertically dropping and partially extended you may be able to swim under and give it a shove forward or back to release it. Need a swim mask and good breath. olewill