John, My wife had similar idea. I think that would be the easiest fix. I can see where a well placed know in the pennant rope might do the trick. If it was not placed just right, either the weight of the centerboard would be on the knot, or the board would bottom out first and then the knot would not make a seal. I think I will try the foam. Thanks, Bill Sylvester Endelig - M-17 #268 On Nov 5, 2004, at 5:11 PM, Saltm17@aol.com wrote:

Bil,

I had the same problem with my M17. When I bought the boat (used) the swing keel had a rope pennant which had a knot in it. Then in a "Tool Time" burst of wisdom, I decided to replace the rope with wire and in the process, enlarged the hole. That was when I found out just what the knot was there for and also got a very wet appreciation about how much water can get onboard with only one little squirt per wave. The solution was to make that pennant hole as small as possible and then make sure it is pulgged with something. I use a chunk of closed cell foam that fits around the wire and works well.....well, it did until I had to replace the winch, but that's another story.

John Edwards _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats