HOW DOES CENTER PLATE WORK

[CADMAN]

This may seem to be a dumb question, but here goes--i'll risk it.
I am curious as to how the Centreplate lowering mechanism actually works on my CP 16 'Raven' ( 1997 model). There is nothing in the Handbook or any of the literature that I have read that gives any clue to the mechanics of the raising and lowering mechanism. I havent been able to establish whether the Centre Plate pivots about a fixed centre or slides up and down in a  slot. All I know is that there is a blue coloured 1/4" chord emerging through a circular plate fitting in the cockpit. When you pull it something happens but I am not sure if this is raising or lowering the centreplate.
it would be feasible to design a mechanism that worked either way ( i.e. pulling the chord either raises or lowers the plate) but since Ive never seen the plate down I cant tell which way this works.
It also seems to be impossible ,or at least very difficult, to get at the Centre Plate inside the Cabin. Mine seems to be sandwhiched in a block of foam and I would guess the Centre plate Housing is inside this. I wouldd be gratefull if anybody can enlighten me on this.

[skip1930]

" Centre Plate pivots about a fixed centre or slides up and down in a  slot.  "
If the centerboard goes up and down in a slot wouldn't that be a dagger board? That would be like Hake's Seawards retracting board. [ Mr. Hake use to be employed by Hutchins until striking out on his own].

I can not answer the question but I'll bet the centerboard pivots on the top corner leading edge and the centerboard and 'jack knifes' into the centerboard trunk and is pulled [retracted] up into the trunk by a line in the hole of the centerboard's upper corner trailing edge with a figure 8 stopper knot.

skip.

[Billy]

I'd imagine it works just like the rudder. Pull the line to pull it up, let it out to let the centerboard down.

Here is a link to the factory website. If you scroll down you can see a picture of the centerboard assembly.

http://www.com-pacyachts.com/com-pac-hutchins-profile.html

[doug]

I have a cp16 cb it pivots up and down within the centerboard trunk. The line to raise and lower the board is attached to a cleat on the front of the cockpit. It simply routs through the trunk to a smallish hole in rear of the board. The line slips through the hole in the board and is retained by some form of a stopper knot (not larger than necessary as it can "jam" between the board and the trunk keeping the board in the up position). Pull and cleat to raise, release to lower. The board is not heavy so there is no mechanical advantage necessary.