Robbin, I have M-17 "Little Breeze which I bought 3 years ago, it is a 1977 model. When I got it i was concerned with the cockpit drain configuration because every boat I have had (many over the years) have had sea cocks for any below water line thru-hulls. That said, the Monty presented several challenges because of access to the fittings. My findings were that the fitting in the cockpit floor was bronze (it looked original). the hose was heavy rubber and the thru hull was bronze but NO sea-cock was present. I ended up removing everything except the cockpit floor drain fitting and replacing all with new hose and a bronze sea cock and a new bronze thru hull....this was not an easy job because this old guys body does not bend and contort the way it used to. While i can't say with any authority (perhaps Jerry can comment on this) that some Monty's used aluminum below the water line I would strongly doubt it and would never myself use or trust it. Only bronze, SS, or approved fiber reinforced plastic should be used. If it were me, I would inspect the thru-hull carefully to determine material and replace accordingly, especially for use in a saltwater environment. Regards Arnold On Apr 10, 2009, at 4:46 AM, robbin roddewig wrote:
Sailors, My M-17 had the cockpit drain exiting the hull through a radiator hose to what I think I have read is an aluminum through hull pipe that it molded into the hull beneath the water line. I have been reading all of Don Casey's books lately and took note of his advice that all through hull holes have sea cocks. I know that I have looked at one M-17 on the photo site that has had corrosion problems and replaced the aluminum(?) pipe but I do not know the longevity of this hole in the hull. I have one of the very early M-17's vintage 1975. My question is how much should I be worried about this pipe/through hull arrangement? I keep my boat in the water (salt water) during the season and would hate to have it sink. A better question is has anyone replaced the pipe with a more traditional through hull and sea cock valve?
Thanks Robbin Hull #056 Miss Take, sailing out of Breezy Point MD PS having my steel board blasted this week and coated with 2000e. Just finished my last ski trip so it should be sailing season now, right?
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