dan:

I found a bunch of loose styrofoam (sp?) like that used to pack tv or stereo etc. in the forward area under the v-berth (I'm too much of a newbie to know the proper term, sorry). Is his for floatation? Is it necessary?

this is the positive flotation foam. there should also be a large block under the cockpit floor. without the boat will sink if swamped. if water gets into the bilge i use a west marine manual bilge pump (http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/producte/10001/-1/10001/...). i have the 24" model. the hose connection leaks some, isn't a big deal if you are removing LOTS of water (you can direct the hose over the side, or into the cockpit for draining). if i'm just removing a little H2O i don't use the hose and just pump into a bucket to keep water from getting on the cabin floor (or most of the water from getting on the cabin floor).

I am puzzled as to how any water that happened to get below would drain. Is there some way out?

water that enters the bilge space just aft of the centerboard trunk will not drain. there is also no connection between water that gets into the v-birth lockers and the bilge. other owners have filled the boat with water (deep cleaning or looking for a leak). just requires removing all the water and then 'drying time.' i wouldn't suggest filling the boat (this would overweight the trailer), but if you are up to the drying task you can hose, soap and put a good scrub brush to everything. the forward v-berth space on my monty is unfinished (not painted). don't know how this space will take a full wetting as not all the fiberglass mat is sealed (and getting any water in the steel punchings isn't a good idea). the other two locker spaces on my boat are finished, painted (and 'sealed'). some owners have added a bilge pump (i would like to ... another thing on 'to do' list). in general no water should get down there as there are no 'through hulls (a 'dry bilge). if i find some i dip my finger and 'taste' to confirm salt (do i have a leak?) or fresh (condensation or rain) water. david scobie M15 #288 (not yet named) dmostue@comcast.net wrote: Hi all, I am cleaning up the M15 I purchased last fall and was wondering... I found a bunch of loose styrofoam (sp?) like that used to pack tv or stereo etc. in the forward area under the v-berth (I'm too much of a newbie to know the proper term, sorry). Is this for floatation? Is it necessary? I pulled it out because it stinks. I would replace it if that is the consensus. Also, I am puzzled as to how any water that happened to get below would drain. Is there some way out? I kind of want to just hose everything down in there but maybe that's not such a good idea. My M15 is #500 made in 1992 if that is of any help. thanks - Dan --------------------------------- Pinpoint customers who are looking for what you sell.