centerboard repair help requested

I have a Hobie 12 and after sailing the centerboard is really difficult to pull out. Last time out, two men couldn't even get it to come out. Does anyone out there know a way to shorten the centerboard without making drastic modifications to it? My husband feels if it doesn't fall in the slot so far it should come out much easier. Any ideas????

Is the boat a Holder 12, or does it actually say Hobie on it. The center board should be made with fiberglass, and not wood, correct? Usually when a board sticks in the well it's because sand or dirt of some sort got in there while sailing. When you trailer the boat do you put the board in a car trunk? The heat can cause the materials to swell and sometimes causes actual blisters which could add to your situation. With the board out of the well visually look it over very carefully for vertical scratches, or gouges caused when it's inserted into the well. If you have some, try sanding those areas down a little then reinsert it..check the fit, and maybe sand some more. Are there any cracks in the seams which water could enter while sailing? Does it get easier to remove after sitting out of the water, that's if you can even get it out?

Thanks for the suggestions. It does say Holder 12 not Hobie. It is not made of wood. The scratches I've found on it are all from trying to get it out. It must have swollen some because there isn't any real damage to it in any other way. I'll try sanding out the scratches but if it has swollen will this really make much difference? Do I need to get a new centerboard?

If you would like to take some digital photos and forward them to me at [email protected] I might be able to give more (better) advice. If you do take photos try and get one of the center board well (up close / macro) showing the side walls. To get a good photo of this you may need to shine a flashlight into it instead of using the camera flash (it may bounce off the surrounding deck area and white-out the inner well). Also, some photos of both sides of the board itself with port & starboard labeled would definitely. Another question for you..does the top part of the well have any carpet or other type of spacer material attached to it? Don't go buying a new board, at least not yet.