Have owned two Keel/centerboard boats. The first one had an issue with the board pendant getting eaten up by
electrolysis. Had to haul and replace it at least once a year.
Current boat has no issues like that but installed a synthetic line pendant which has removed any possible problem with
electrolysis. Other than that, no other problems with boards. Haul outs have some issues as you have to let the boat hang in the straps overnight to
paint the center board. Not a big thing unless you run into a yard that screws you
charging an exorbitant few to do it. Board may occasionally make
noise when deployed though have hardly noticed it under sail on either boat. Will definitely make
noise if lowered at
anchor but then why would you want the board down at
anchor.
To me, the big advantage of a keel/center board boat is you don't have to drag around all that wetted surface of a deep keel when it's not needed. The big advantage of a deep keel is going hard on the
wind. Once you crack off it's mainly just a bunch of lead slowing you down. Sail mostly with the board up except short tacking in confined areas where every last bit of ground made good is valuable. The rest of the time, the boat does just fine going to
weather with the board up. Yes it does make more leeway than it's deep keeled brethren but not enough to bother me. Of course, you have to take into account I'm a cruiser enjoying sailing. Bashing into waves with the boat on its ear and
wind and spray in the face is not my idea of fun.