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I am considering replacing a 10yr centerboard line that has the "old" metal line" rigging. I understand it should be replaced with new line alone. How is this done? Does the old metal rigging removal require use of tools underwater, if so what tools are best? Can this be done with mask and snorkel?

I've only done it on the trailer, but I don't see why you couldn't do it in calm water with mask and snorkel. The new line passes through the hole, with just a stopper knot (I used a figure-8 stopper) to terminate the line. Make sure you melt the end of the line, to stop fraying, before installing it.

I don't know how the original wire line was terminated, so I can't help with removal of the old one.

My choice for cutting cable is an abrasive wheel. Since that will not work under water, also a hack saw would be difficult. I would use a pair of bolt cutters. Even a small pair should make short work on that cable. On the line most any stopper knot should be good.

I also am not sure what you need to do to disconnect the wire rope, since I have never had one.

To replace an old line with a new one, its common to use needle and thread to "sew" the two lines together temporarily, then just pull up the old line and cut the threads. With a wire rope end I am not sure how to tell you to connect the old one to the new one. I would assume there is some kind of eye in the wire rope that bolts to the board. Maybe someone here can tell you for sure what to expect.

At any rate you could always "sew" 20 feet or so of sacrificial twine to the topside end of the centerboard line. Once you disconnect the wire rope end from the board, the added twine will give you enough play to bring the disconnected end to the surface where you can cut the wire rope portion off and sew the end of the new line on, so you aren't doing all of that underwater. When all the sewing is done and the new line is in place with a stopper knot, pull all the slack through and remove the stitching.

Thanks to all who replied. Very helpful! I will undertake the snorkel and mask method as a first attempt, but will likely have to re-trailer or lift my 2002 "Moon Shadow." The wire cutter may be my best bet.

I just recently changed my board. The wire was connected to a bolt that passed through the centerboard. I removed it using a screwdriver and a small wench.
So basically the wire was crimped to itself and the bolt went through the loop in the wire and then bolted to the centerboard this is a 98 X
Hope this helps

I am replacing the centerboard line on my 26x a 2000 I believe. It has the all rope line; not the wire. The rope has worked fine but as it is 16 years old I thought it best to replace it before it fails.
I have reviewed most of the online subjects on this but I don't seem to find out which line is best. I want to use quality line. Incidentally dropping the center board on the trailer was easy.