Louis: the deck/transom joint can be a problem on the early M17s (meaning those with a transom cutout for the outboard). i'm making a guess ... at some point prior to your purchase did someone put a motor mount on the transom just below the outboard cutout? jerry can make you new shrouds, fore- & back-stays- www.jerrymontgomery.org good to read of another m-boat receiving some TLC. - Dave Scobie - M17 #375 - SWEET PEA :: www.m17-375.webs.com - Sage Marine :: www.sagemarine.us --- On Mon, 1/24/11, Louis Remmers <louremmers@yahoo.com> wrote: I purchased a 1977 M 17 last January and have had fun rehabing it. I fell in love with the monty back when they frist came on the market. The boat I have needed a new transom , so I cut the " cap " off and dug out the rotted plywood. made a template with cardboard then to luan and finally marine ply with excellent results. I replaced the aluminum drain in the underside of the stern and have all of the deck hardware off and am ready for the finish coat of paint when the weather cooperates. I hope to go to cedar key the first weekend in May if I finish in time. I have had fun so far and need to work on my standing rigging next.