Nancy, Do not worry about the water entering the cockpit via the pendant hole. This in normal and also serves as the drain for the cockpit. Water will enter during a lot of chop and attach of the wind. As far as the CB expanding, there are several reasons for this. You have an early boat which has steel punching in the keel for ballast. If the integrety of the keel has been compromised, then it is possible that the steel is rusting and causing the keel to expand and pinch the CB. I hope this is not the problem, but I would investigate to be sure. There is a lot of experienced sailors on this site along with the original designer and builder. So, no matter what issues you may experience with your boat, there is someone here who can help. Welcome aboard!!! Skip -----Original Message----- From: Nancy Lau <nancylauprescott@gmail.com> To: montgomery_boats <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Mon, Apr 9, 2012 3:08 pm Subject: M_Boats: Is this normal? We are brand new to sailing and just purchased an M-15 (hull 322) on which o learn. On our first sail (we were out of town) the CB would not drop. Took her o a marina and they provided a temporary fix by "shaving" the CB which hey said had expanded. After returning home we took her out yesterday for bout 3-4 hours. Halfway through our sail water small amounts of water (no ore than 1-2 cups) began to enter the cockpit through the hole at the CB ope. IS THIS NORMAL? Am suspicious we have some major CB work ahead of s. Can anyone confirm this? Is it safe to continue sailing? Thank you in advance for any insights, advice, etc. Nancy Lau