Hi Bert Don't know if someone's already answered your question or not... My M17 came with a pair of round inspection ports at the stern, fairly close together. They haven't shown any signs of weakening the class... no stress cracks nearby or anything like that. it's possible that the round shape helps, that's the strongest arrangement for an opening. But I've often wished that I could find a rectangular inspection port to join the two into one opening for greater access, but I'd need a somewhat odd size to span the gap between them. If it were me, I'd install a GOOD rectangular inspection port. Buy two and keep one in the garage... after about six or eight years, the sunlight will take their toll and start to weaken them, and you'll want a replacement. Whenever I do this sort of thing, the one size that I manage to pick is always the size that the manufacturer discontinues. Hope this helps BG -- Brian Gilbert Author, Fix It And Sail, The Complete Trailer-Sailor Marine Media 3404 Hartford Dr Chattanooga, TN 37415 www.sailingsmall.com From: montgomery_boats-request@mailman.xmission.com Reply-To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Date: Fri, 06 Jun 2008 12:05:57 -0600 To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Subject: montgomery_boats Digest, Vol 64, Issue 25 Hello Jerry and Bob After selling my M 15 about twelve years ago, I purchase another one, #365,a 1986 model last year. They are great boats. I have one question about mounting a stern ladder. My wife and I can't fit down the starboard side in order to fasten the backing plate, fender washers, and nuts which will hold the ladder. If I install an inspection plate in the transom, will it weaken the boat? Should I install one in the center or a total of two, each on the transom above the seats? Thank you in advance, Bert Felton