Thanks for the responses. Sounds like there were several configurations for the bulkheads and bilge for the M17s. I probably need to wait until I actually sail her for a while before I do much modification. I do not have a turnbuckle at the diamond plate of my backstay. I was wondering how I would adjust the backstay tension. There is one incomplete turnbuckle laying lose. It's missing one end. Perhaps this is the culprit. I bought the boat in Minnesota and hauled it home to Columbia, MO. Looking forward to sailing someday. This year may be all driveway sailing. I am new to sailing. We had motor boats in the family when I was a kid. I did complete ASA basic keel boat course last year. I have a keel repair that I could use suggestions on. The centerboard stop pin is busted out through the bottom of the keel. The pin is missing. Almost looks like the centerboard was dropped hard enough to drive the pin out the bottom. Has anyone ever seen this damage before? Any suggestions on repair? The pin is very close to the bottom of the keel - about 1-1/4" to the centerline. I assume that's normal. ----- Original Message ----- From: "W David Scobie" <wdscobie@yahoo.com> To: "For and about Montgomery Sailboats" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Sunday, June 30, 2013 8:30 AM Subject: Re: M_Boats: Bulk heads Gary: were the shrouds, backstay and forestay attached when you got the boat? is there a turnbuckle at the 'bottom' of the backstay, at the diamond plate, were the split backstay attaches? trying to figure in my head where 18" could be 'lost' ... as Bones has written not all the old M17s have a 'bilge'. most that i've seen don't. you can, if you like, cut limber holes in the 'offending' bulkheads so water heads into the bilge (again, if you have one). - dave scobie - M17 #375 SWEET PEA - www.m17-375.webs.com ________________________________ From: Gary Froeschner <gfroesch@socket.net> Sent: Saturday, June 29, 2013 12:47 PM I have a 1976 M17. The port side cockpit storage locker, under the bench, is enclosed with plywood bulkheads that are completely sealed to the haul. Water in this locker does not drain to the bilge pump at the low point. Is this the correct arrangement? Seems like it should have drain holes through the bulkheads??? Question #2. It seems part of my forestay rigging is missing. It seems to be approximately 18" short. Does anyone know how long this is suppose to be. I bought this boat last Nov in Minnesota and have not had it in the water yet. Slow going. Probably won't get to sail until next season.