Folks, I'm fairly large [5'10" 200#] and I get inside the portside locker to install transom items, and work on the scupper hose of my M17 - 1974.  I can almost get into the 'black hole' where I store water, extra food, some less frequently used tools, and still have room to cage the dog if necessary [yes, she's little].  What I'm trying to say is that access to that area should not be very difficult.  In fact, I'm getting ready to install a support system for my cockpit sole, since I often have several 'obese old men' in my little ship.....and we make it spring some.  I have sufficient room to install it and still have room for the above mentioned items.  Oh yes, someone asked if they had a 'bilge.'  I don't have anything behind the centerboard case but flat the width of the bottom strake or keelson [if building in wood].  Fair winds and following seas .....

H. Dale  and Gloria L. Lilly, M-17  'Pajarita'

>From: bownez@juno.com >Reply-To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats >To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com >Subject: RE: M_Boats: The black hole... >Date: Sat, 6 Dec 2003 16:24:33 GMT > > >Tod, > >Thanks for the info. I have not investigated that area of my M17. It sounds like the bilge can be accessed from the cabin, behind the centerboard trunk yet forward of my stock water holding tank. Can a person actually look into that area? (perhaps with a mirror and flashlight) Maybe there's some rum down there! > >Later, > >Bones > >________________________________________________________________ >The best thing to hit the internet in years - Juno SpeedBand! >Surf the web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER! >Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com to sign up today! > >_______________________________________________ >http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats