Hello one and all! My name is Max, and I bought an M17 (hull#277) last year site unseen from someone in Texas (I live in Knoxville, TN). I was very happy to discover that the claims written on the MSOG site regarding this boat's sailing ability are true. I sailed on lakes Sabine and Conroe during my visit a few weeks ago, and was pleasantly surprised on both light and heavy wind capability. I purused the archives for some issues that I am experiencing, and so far have not come across answers, so if I am not being too much a bother I will ask them here. 1 - The boat is taking on a little water (around 3-5 gal. on an overnighter), which is collecting under the vee berth area. The bow eye is quite loose, but it appears to be around 12 inches up from the water line. I thought it might have something to do with the scupper lines (they drain very slowly), but if this is the case I would think the cabin sole proper would be wet. Any ideas? 2 - The transom is pushed in at the top some, and appears to be hollow - is this correct? I am wondering about the best way to repair it. It is quite sailable now, but I am concerned, since the top (at the separated area) also has one of the gudgeons. I want to make sure the rudder is sufficiently supported. I had sent a similar message on 11/19, but used another email address - and the message was rejected on the list. Hope this one goes through OK. Any personal emails may be sent to mdawson at utk.edu Thanks max