In a message dated 10/29/02 2:20:47 PM, ejeaston@hotmail.com writes: << Hello everyone, I am going strip & reseal my tiller & rudder this winter, but I don't know what sealer to use. My local marine shop only had a paint that would tolerate being submersed. They did not think polyurethane was appropriate. Has anyone done this before & have any suggestions. Also, am considering buying a used 1992 Honda 7.5 hp motor for my M17. Does anyone have any experience with this motor. What is it worth on the used market, and is it too big for the boat. Thanks in advance, Jim Easton >> Jim, I just stripped and resealed the rudder on my M15. Like you, I could not find any clear finish that was advertised as being suitable for below the waterline use. I did some research, and ended up doing the following: 1) removed rudder cheeks, and sanded entire board with 80 grit followed by 220 grit (being very careful to keep the foil shape exactly as it was). 2) wiped down entire board with Interlux '202 Solvent Wash' to remove any residual coatings/impurities. 3) applied two coats of 'Smith Brothers (Smith's) Penetrating Epoxy' and sanded lightly with 220 to smooth. 4) applied three coats of Interlux 'Perfection Two-Part Polyurethane Varnish' (not cheap at $49.99/qt.) I almost used Interlux 'Goldspar Varnish' (one part urethane) in lieu of the 'Perfection', but decided that the two part would likely be more abrasion and chip resistant. It is my hope that by saturating the wood with penetrating epoxy first, that any water that finds its way past the polyurethane will be blocked. I spoke at length with Smith Brothers first, and they seemed to think that this strategy was sound. Please note that Penetrating epoxy is different from normal epoxy resin. Well, time will tell, but it looks good and performed well for the few days I have had it in the water since. The M15 rudder kicks up so that in the stowed position is entirely out of the water. If I were to leave an M17 in the water long term, I think I would paint the rudder below the waterline as I would a wooden hull. I'll yield to M17 owners with respect to engine choice, but I believe the consensus is that the Honda 5 hp is more than adequate, and provides a better performance to weight ratio for the M17. If I recall correctly, the 7.5 (later replaced by the 8) is based on the same powerhead as the 9.9/10hp, and is considerably heavier. We had an older Honda 7.5 on a Cal 25. It gave great service, but seems like it might be overkill for the M17. Good luck! Scott Grometer, M15#478 'bebe'