Centerboard IP35

Before launching we lowered the centerboard for sanding and painting only to have it fall completely out of the boat. The pinion was in 2 pieces and one of the 2 brackets fell out as well.  We’re out on the water now without any issues. So I am considering leaving the board out and having the trunk glassed over at the end of the season here in the Caribbean. 
Has anybody else had this done. Probably sacrilegious.