October 2008 - montgomery_boats - mailman.xmission.com

New M15 Owner
by Chris and Julie 06 Oct '08

06 Oct '08

Hello everyone. My wife and I have begun the process with Bob Eeg to have an M15 built. Her name will be "Julie Suzanne". As of right now we are going with the following decisions & options: Ivory Hull with Single Blue Stripe Camcleats Longer handrails mounted atop the sliding hatch teak runner covers Electrical package with group 24 battery under v-berth with space for 2nd battery for longer cruise Tracks on the coaming for jib cars or moving cleat Stern pulpit Opening stainless ports in cabin (Can never have too much ventilation in my opinion.) Although this will be our 5th boat (22-36 feet and lived aboard the 36 footer) we are both pretty excited about this boat. They are such great looking boats and we have always heard great things about them. It will be nice to own a small boat that we can store in our garage, trailer to where ever we want, and yet still overnight on with some comfort. Honestly this is the first boat whose design I would not change (at least based on my research thus far). Everything from the cockpit size to the v-berth and the storage seems to be the best compromise for the size and the intended use. Our primary uses will be long daysails and 1-3 day short cruises with both my wife and I aboard. We live in Florida and anticipate doing plenty of trips to various cruising grounds all over the Southeast. Like most others, I work plenty of hours and will be limiting most of our trips to vacations and long weekends. Also, like every boat I have owned, I will always have a project going on with 2-3 in the planning stages.... Some already planned projects include: Leading halyards back to cockpit Jib downhaul (Have always had furlers, but with trailering and the fractional rig, I wonder if it makes sense here....) Some sort of anchor and rode storage that makes sense based on balancing the weights on the boat and the ability to quickly deploy if needed. Boom tent (Need something to make the cockpit a part of the interior based on the situation) Interior storage (Looking at some minor teak and some canvas based pouches in strategic locations) Tiller tamer or autopilot (Probably a tiller tamer at least in the immediate future) Special hatchboard for instrument mounting (Custom built board with hold GPS, depth finder and can be locked in place) We dont own a tow vehicle yet, but will be purchasing one shortly. Right now I am leaning towards a used Toyota RAV4 or Honda CRV or something similar. Based on my research the M15 is not a difficult boat to tow, and I need to keep the MPG as high as possible for obvious reasons. The intent right now is to get the 2hp 4stroke Honda outboard which appears to be standard equipment on the M15 based on my readings. I DO NOT look forward to refilling the tank while underway. I anticipate some sort of a solution to this in the near future. I know I have read some information about some great solutions to this already. Any recommendations regarding the boat or outfitting it as we move forward with the construction? Anything not listed above is currently standard and already included(such as swim ladder). Like most people who are considering a new M-boat, I have been lurking on the email group and have scanned quite a bit of the older messages (although you cant scan everything...). I have also been through all the websites I can find and have appreciated all the great information. Bob has been great to work with so far. I have had a number of email and phone discussions with him. He is working with me on options while also helping me to keep the boat simple (at least for the initial build....). Thank you all for the great information I have received from this group so far.... Chris Rechtin

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New M-15
by John and DesAnne Hippe 05 Oct '08

05 Oct '08

Hello Chris, Congratulations on your new purchase. I am sure you will enjoy the M-15. Here are my two cents regarding your boat projects. As always these are just my opinions based upon my usage -- single handed day sailing and extended cruising on the Great Lakes. - Jib downhaul is essential in my mind. When the wind pipes up or when I am coming in to dock it is a piece of cake to release the halyard and pull on the downhaul to douse the jib. With the downhaul cleated, the jib will sit sedately on the foredeck. On my boat, the downhaul is simply a block mounted on the bow. I secure a small line to the top hank and run it through the block on the bow and back to the aft. - I have rigged the boat to have both halyards come back to the cockpit but in practice I only bring the jib halyard back for the above reason. I cleat the Main at the mast since it is there that I will need to be when I either reef or douse the main. - For sails, I have a loose footed main with a bolt rope and two reef points (love the bolt rope and will not go back to slides), 160 genoa, 130 working, and 60 storm jib. With this combination I can handle any wind conditions that I encounter. I do go up to the bow to change the jibs and so far this has not been too difficult. I have done this in 3-4 foot swells. When I do this, I am always tethered to the boat. - I too have a Honday 2 HP 4 Stroke. It works great. The 1/4 gallon tank seems small but will push me along at about 4 - 4.5 knots for an hour plus. Refilling underway is not that difficult. I have the long stroke which is good for the Great Lakes and the wave height. - For anchor and rode I simply keep them in a milk crate in the cockpit and deploy from the cockpit. When set, I simply walk the rode up to the bow. This works great. The only downside is that it adds weight at the stern. - I have mounted a Plastimo Iris 100 compass to my bottom hatchboard which stays in when under way. For the handheld GPS I purchased a holder that is mounted to the horizontal wooden plank that the mainsheet is mounted to. This setup has worked well for me. - Tow vehicle. I have a 2001 Rav4 which works ok. It has the four cylinder engine which, in my opinion, is underpowered. It struggles to keep up to highway speeds on anything other than completely flat ground. When I am towing I only get about 20 - 22 mpg. If I were to buy again, I would opt for the six cylinder (not available when I purchased). Also, because the tailgait swings out, the back in inaccessible when the trailer is attached. Hope this is helpful. Respectfully, John Hippe M-15 Jester

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Finally ready...
by Bill Lamica 05 Oct '08

05 Oct '08

*Super Sale… * ** *If you have been around the MSOG for a while, you will know I have been saying I would have a "garage sale" well, here it is!* ** Honda 1000 generator- check out the custom cover (you may be able to use the idea) (page 6) Custom crafted Brass 12 LED cabin lights (page 6) 10 pound CQR anchor and 160' chain & rode (page 1) Battery powered, suction cup Anchor & running lights (page 3) Sailing 2-part Safety Tether (page 4) Standard Horizons handheld VHF (page 5) Garmin 276c Land and Sea GPS (page 9) LED Trailer lights (page7) Don Casey Hull and Deck repair (page 7) Over 150 items on a dozen pages… But that's not the end of it: This listing represents the first few boxes in a rather large storage shed. When one item is spoken for, another item will take its place. This means, look it over and check back the next day to see what is listed next. I have had many, many interests! Be assured I care for all of my possessions in stellar fashion. Everything you look at works and shows as described, with much of it unused. As a friend put it; simple recycling – I'm sure when you see what is available, and the great prices, you'll be happy to be a part of this recycling effort. Start here… The site is very easy to use: http://www.billlamica.com/Sale%20Start%20Page.html *Snooze – you looze*: See something you like… E-mail right away with the item number and your ship to address with zip code. That evening; I'll contact you back with boxed total and shipping costs (UPS). Note that who ever speaks for an item first, will be the winner of that item! Sorry, that's the only fair way to do this. Decide and E-mail right away! I'll try to remove items as quick as they are spoken for. Most times though, I'll do the updates in the late evenings. Credit cards using Paypal (it's easy and safe), Cashiers Check, Money order... This offering goes out to the MSOG Forum. In a few weeks I'll put ads on the local Craig's List, and then it's off to EBAY. The prices you see now are the same and in many cases, lower than the "Buy It Now" prices that will be listed for Craig's List & EBAY shoppers. Have Fun! *Please save the forum from future clutter from my sale. E-mail me direct – PLEASE *Billamicasr(a)gmail.com Bill Lamica Webmaster of the MSOG Photo Site

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Lyle Hess designed Nor'Sea 27
by Larry E Yake 04 Oct '08

04 Oct '08

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/boa/860607027.html Anybody looking for an older NorSea 27? ____________________________________________________________ You have a right to seek justice! Click here to find experienced lawyers across the USA. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/Ioyw6i3oJBLsP5C3znN0RK29JA5oECq…

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Re: M_Boats: montgomery_boats Digest, Vol 67, Issue 31
by JAUICEO＠aol.com 04 Oct '08

04 Oct '08

David - I'm John, here in San Antonio, and a previous M-15 owner during the 75 era. Is there an M-17 group around here in SA? I am in the market for a 17 and would like to find some locals who would like to chat. - John In a message dated 9/28/2008 8:15:05 P.M. Central Daylight Time, cherish(a)FBCUC.ORG writes: Hey Randy, I'm a San Antonio M-15 owner. Maybe we will cross paths. Where do you sail? David Haven M-15 -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces(a)mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Mark Escovedo Sent: Sunday, September 28, 2008 5:26 AM To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats Subject: Re: M_Boats: montgomery_boats Digest, Vol 67, Issue 31 Welcome to the list Randy :) ----- Original Message ---- From: Randy Watkins <jazzmanrandy(a)hotmail.com> To: montgomery_boats(a)mailman.xmission.com Sent: Saturday, September 27, 2008 3:28:00 PM Subject: Re: M_Boats: montgomery_boats Digest, Vol 67, Issue 31 Hello, Randy Watkins here, "new" old Mboat sailor. My recent, current boat is a M15, "Becca Anne", based in central Texas. My past M15 was #194, "Crystal Sea". Looking forward to sailing with you all in the future. RW Bryan, Tx > From: montgomery_boats-request(a)mailman.xmission.com > Subject: montgomery_boats Digest, Vol 67, Issue 31 > To: montgomery_boats(a)mailman.xmission.com > Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2008 10:08:02 -0600 > > Send montgomery_boats mailing list submissions to > montgomery_boats(a)mailman.xmission.com > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > > http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > montgomery_boats-request(a)mailman.xmission.com > > You can reach the person managing the list at > montgomery_boats-owner(a)mailman.xmission.com > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of montgomery_boats digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Re: Arizona's season is finally starting!!! (Joe Moore) > 2. please delete from mailing list (john hill) > 3. Singing Rudder (James Poulakis) > 4. Re: Singing Rudder (Gordon Gilbert) > 5. Re: Singing Rudder (Chad Parrish) > 6. Re: Singing Rudder (Gordon Gilbert) > 7. 4 day cruise in Oct - Chesapeake Bay (Doug Kelch) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Fri, 26 Sep 2008 09:47:24 -0500 > From: Joe Moore <joemoore(a)josephmoore.com> > Subject: Re: M_Boats: Arizona's season is finally starting!!! > To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats > <montgomery_boats(a)mailman.xmission.com> > Message-ID: <48DCF5FC.2070700(a)josephmoore.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed > > > Several years ago, I did a day sail on a schooner that looked a lot > like that in Newport Harbor. > > joe > > > > Gary M Hyde wrote: > > Jim: > > That picture is the Beal we sailed on! > > Gary > > > > Sent from my iPhone > > > > On Sep 25, 2008, at 11:02 PM, James Poulakis <picfo(a)comcast.net> wrote: > > > > > >> Gary, > >> Schooners make my heart pound. Here's a shot of the old girl I > >> found on the web: > >> > >> http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2750412290101531369bmTQxS > >> > >> Here's a $2,950 oil painting of her by Ronald Parry (you gotta > >> scroll down a bit): > >> > >> http://www.parrygallery.com/Marine/index.htm > >> > >> Jim Poulakis > >> M17 "Spirit" > >> > >> On Sep 25, 2008, at 5:55 PM, Gary M Hyde wrote: > >> > >> > >>> Sean: > >>> U just launched your boat, I just hauled mine out. So it goes. > >>> Just finished a great Elderhostel on a 1911 built, 84' schooner > >>> Sylvina W. Beal. We sailed (or motored) 3 days in a row out of > >>> Eastport, Maine. > >>> Gary. > >>> > >>> Sent from my iPhone > >>> > >>> On Sep 24, 2008, at 10:40 AM, Nebwest2(a)aol.com wrote: > >>> > >>> > >>>> As of October 1 we'll be putting Dauntless in her winter slip > >>>> here in Lake Havasu. We've had a great summer of sailing with > >>>> over on the CA coast, but that's only a couple days each month > >>>> for us. Now we can finally make sailing an almost daily affair. > >>>> Last year we had quite a few folks come join us for some Winter > >>>> sailing in Feb when they really needed a fix. I hope that I'll > >>>> be > >>>> able to entice some of you guys to come again this year. San Diego > >>>> guys are you > >>>> reading this??!! > >>>> > >>>> I'll post more on the dates if the event as we get closer and > >>>> it's not restricted to only Montys. Last year we had around 20 > >>>> boats and crews participate, almost all from out of town. Here's > >>>> a link to a photo-journal of the event. > >>>> Check it out and think about coming over and dong some winter > >>>> sailing in the dessert this year! We had a great time. Hope to > >>>> see you here. More to come.... > >>>> > >>>> _http://havasumontgomerys.piczo.com/?g=35678009&cr=1_ > >>>> (http://havasumontgomerys.piczo.com/?g=35678009&cr=1) > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> Sean > >>>> M23 "Dauntless" > >>>> _www.havasumontgomerys.piczo.com_ (http:// > >>>> www.havasumontgomerys.piczo.com > >>>> ) > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> **************Looking for simple solutions to your real-life > >>>> financial challenges? Check out WalletPop for the latest news > >>>> and information, tips and > >>>> calculators. (http://www.walletpop.com/? > >>>> NCID=emlcntuswall00000001) > >>>> _______________________________________________ > >>>> http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/ > >>>> montgomery_boats > >>>> > >>> _______________________________________________ > >>> http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_bo > >>> ats > >>> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boa > >> ts > >> > > > > _______________________________________________ > > http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boat > > s > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Fri, 26 Sep 2008 10:57:58 -0400 > From: "john hill" <jhill(a)chartertn.net> > Subject: M_Boats: please delete from mailing list > To: <montgomery_boats(a)mailman.xmission.com> > Message-ID: <000001c91fe8$4405bbf0$cc1133d0$@net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 3 > Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:20:00 -0700 > From: James Poulakis <picfo(a)comcast.net> > Subject: M_Boats: Singing Rudder > To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats > <montgomery_boats(a)mailman.xmission.com> > Message-ID: <2A485B3C-EF5A-4708-8AFE-25886B9D3838(a)comcast.net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed > > Sailing even with a moderate breeze makes Spirit's rudder hum loud > enough to drown out the Pillar Point fog horn. The rudder is new and > doesn't seem to be warped. Is there a trick to stop this or is it > just a Monty thing? > > Jim Poulakis > "Spirit" (M17) > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 4 > Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2008 09:12:47 -0500 > From: Gordon Gilbert <gordon(a)financialwriting.net> > Subject: Re: M_Boats: Singing Rudder > To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats > <montgomery_boats(a)mailman.xmission.com> > Message-ID: > <A96AFE14-40A9-46A6-BD4C-2EB0BEF6E13C(a)financialwriting.net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed > > Hi, Jim: > I just experienced a similar thing on a sail yesterday. In my case > (I'm not sure if your setup is the same as my 1983 model), the steel > rod that the rudder hinges on had ridden up when I raised the rudder > previously. Then when I lowered it, the rod did not go down completely > with the rudder, leaving the rod short and out of the lowest gudgeon > (right word?). This has happened before, and when I pushed down the > rod completely (so the cotter ring can't go any > lower) the humming went away. I determined yesterday that I just need > to ensure that the rod goes all the way down with the rudder every > time I lower it for a sail. > > Have a great weekend! > > Gordon > M-17 "Sapphire" > Milwaukee > > > On Sep 27, 2008, at 2:20 AM, James Poulakis wrote: > > > Sailing even with a moderate breeze makes Spirit's rudder hum loud > > enough to drown out the Pillar Point fog horn. The rudder is new > > and doesn't seem to be warped. Is there a trick to stop this or is > > it just a Monty thing? > > > > Jim Poulakis > > "Spirit" (M17) > > > > _______________________________________________ > > http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boat > > s > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 5 > Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2008 09:31:35 -0500 > From: Chad Parrish <cparrish(a)fafnirnet.net> > Subject: Re: M_Boats: Singing Rudder > To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats > <montgomery_boats(a)mailman.xmission.com> > Message-ID: <46D85DC5-385F-4C60-B71C-6F02CD7F678D(a)fafnirnet.net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed; delsp=yes > > The rod on my boat has been machined a bit smaller near the bottom so > a portion of the rod extends beyond the lower gudgeon, there is a > hole through the rod that a snap ring or pin can be inserted to > prevent the rod from going up when you raise the rudder. I can snap a > picture of this if the description is unclear, just let me know. > > --Chad > > > On Sep 27, 2008, at 9:12 AM, Gordon Gilbert wrote: > > > Hi, Jim: > > I just experienced a similar thing on a sail yesterday. In my case > > (I'm not sure if your setup is the same as my 1983 model), the steel > > rod that the rudder hinges on had ridden up when I raised the rudder > > previously. Then when I lowered it, the rod did not go down > > completely with the rudder, leaving the rod short and out of the > > lowest gudgeon (right word?). This has happened before, and when I > > pushed down the rod completely (so the cotter ring can't go any > > lower) the humming went away. I determined yesterday that I just > > need to ensure that the rod goes all the way down with the rudder > > every time I lower it for a sail. > > > > Have a great weekend! > > > > Gordon > > M-17 "Sapphire" > > Milwaukee > > > > > > On Sep 27, 2008, at 2:20 AM, James Poulakis wrote: > > > >> Sailing even with a moderate breeze makes Spirit's rudder hum loud > >> enough to drown out the Pillar Point fog horn. The rudder is new > >> and doesn't seem to be warped. Is there a trick to stop this or is > >> it just a Monty thing? > >> > >> Jim Poulakis > >> "Spirit" (M17) > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boa > >> ts > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boat > > s > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 6 > Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2008 09:49:32 -0500 > From: Gordon Gilbert <gordon(a)financialwriting.net> > Subject: Re: M_Boats: Singing Rudder > To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats > <montgomery_boats(a)mailman.xmission.com> > Message-ID: > <A68D9F47-F0BF-4F85-8DF2-CA5E773B07F2(a)financialwriting.net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed > > Another cotter ring at the lower end of the rod would work for me, I > think. Thanks! > > Gordon > On Sep 27, 2008, at 9:31 AM, Chad Parrish wrote: > > > The rod on my boat has been machined a bit smaller near the bottom > > so a portion of the rod extends beyond the lower gudgeon, there is > > a hole through the rod that a snap ring or pin can be inserted to > > prevent the rod from going up when you raise the rudder. I can snap > > a picture of this if the description is unclear, just let me know. > > > > --Chad > > > > > > On Sep 27, 2008, at 9:12 AM, Gordon Gilbert wrote: > > > >> Hi, Jim: > >> I just experienced a similar thing on a sail yesterday. In my case > >> (I'm not sure if your setup is the same as my 1983 model), the > >> steel rod that the rudder hinges on had ridden up when I raised the > >> rudder previously. Then when I lowered it, the rod did not go down > >> completely with the rudder, leaving the rod short and out of the > >> lowest gudgeon (right word?). This has happened before, and when I > >> pushed down the rod completely (so the cotter ring can't go any > >> lower) the humming went away. I determined yesterday that I just > >> need to ensure that the rod goes all the way down with the rudder > >> every time I lower it for a sail. > >> > >> Have a great weekend! > >> > >> Gordon > >> M-17 "Sapphire" > >> Milwaukee > >> > >> > >> On Sep 27, 2008, at 2:20 AM, James Poulakis wrote: > >> > >>> Sailing even with a moderate breeze makes Spirit's rudder hum loud > >>> enough to drown out the Pillar Point fog horn. The rudder is new > >>> and doesn't seem to be warped. Is there a trick to stop this or > >>> is it just a Monty thing? > >>> > >>> Jim Poulakis > >>> "Spirit" (M17) > >>> > >>> _______________________________________________ > >>> http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/ > >>> montgomery_boats > >> > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boa > >> ts > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boat > > s > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 7 > Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2008 09:07:57 -0700 (PDT) > From: Doug Kelch <doug_kelch(a)yahoo.com> > Subject: M_Boats: 4 day cruise in Oct - Chesapeake Bay > To: Montgomery <montgomery_boats(a)mailman.xmission.com> > Message-ID: <798916.49238.qm(a)web58704.mail.re1.yahoo.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 > > It looks like we have 4 or 5 boats for a 4 day cruise on the lower part of the Chesapeake Bay Oct. 10 - 13th.? If anyone would like to join up, drop me a note off list. > > We had 3 boats on a superb Cruise on the Eastern Bay of the Chesapeake while the Apostle island cruise was going on. Friday and Saturday were partly cloudy with 15 - 20 kt winds and nice cool 70 deg temps.? Absolutely delightful days to play in the bigger waves and wind in an M15. > > Thanks > > Doug Kelch > M15 "Seas the Day" > doug_kelch(a)yahoo.com > > > > > > ------------------------------ > > _______________________________________________ > montgomery_boats mailing list > montgomery_boats(a)mailman.xmission.com > http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats > > > End of montgomery_boats Digest, Vol 67, Issue 31 > ************************************************ _________________________________________________________________ Get more out of the Web. Learn 10 hidden secrets of Windows Live. http://windowslive.com/connect/post/jamiethomson.spaces.live.com-Blog-cn s!550F681DAD532637!5295.entry?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_domore_092008 _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats **************New MapQuest Local shows what's happening at your destination. Dining, Movies, Events, News & more. Try it out! (http://local.mapquest.com/?ncid=emlcntnew00000001)

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m-15
by mrh219＠yahoo.com 02 Oct '08

02 Oct '08

Looking at the M-15, but have only seen pictures. Any M-15 owners in or close to the Western New York area that are willing to show me their boat?

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Repair needed for M-17
by Nebwest2＠aol.com 01 Oct '08

01 Oct '08

Andrei, I can't speak as to how the M17's stop pin is with respect to the ballast cavity. I can tell you that in my 23 the stop pin went through solid fiberglass (except where the swing keel slot is) so it would probably not leak water into the ballast cavity. Maybe we can get Jerry or Bob to chime back in on that. Guys? With respect to replacing the ballast. I wouldn't even consider doing it unless you were having problems. It is not and easy or cheap job. Buying lead was an education for me. I thought I'd find scrap lead for free at tire shops and places like that. NOT. If you have to end up buying lead shot like I did figure on around $1/lb. That adds up quick. In my case 1200lbs =......Oh I don't even want to think about it again! hahaha And I sure don't want to bring it up to Jo!. My advice would be dry her out as much as you can, seal her up, and hope for the best. Worse case scenario is you'll have to come back and deal with it later, Best case is it'll never bother you. Heck, you may not even have steel ballast...it might be all lead..in which case rust is never gonna be an issue. Sean _www.havasumontgomerys.piczo.com_ (http://www.havasumontgomerys.piczo.com) **************Looking for simple solutions to your real-life financial challenges? Check out WalletPop for the latest news and information, tips and calculators. (http://www.walletpop.com/?NCID=emlcntuswall00000001)

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