My 1983 M17 had the aluminum tubes to which the cockpit drains attached. She spent 10 seasons in a slip in cold salt water prior to my purchase of her. I discovered the poor condition of the drains in a frightening manner. My wife and I were out on the water and I crawled below to see if I could discover the source of a very small leak that was putting a cup or two of water in the bilge every sail. I grabbed the tube just past where the drain hose attaches to feel for water and stuck my thumb through the tube! I hollered up to my wife to head for the ramp, pronto! When I got the boat home I peeled out what remained of the aluminum tubing without damaging the surrounding glass without much trouble. I then found some 1-1/2" stainless tubing, had it cut at the proper angle and glassed it in. I coated the inside of the tubing with a thin film of epoxy and then painted the inside of the stainless with some bottom paint I had and re-attached the hoses. I did that repair in 1998 or '99 and I see she's still sailing without any further work to my knowledge (I saw her in the Havasu pics from this year and have spoken with both the owners who had her after me). The stainless tubing worked well for me but I did have to take it to a machine shop to have it cut at the proper angle to exit the hull fair. If memory serves me well the angle was 61°. I suppose it would have worked just as well to cut the tubing square and glass them in place with epoxy to fair the ends out to the hull, but that isn't my style. The job isn't that difficult to do but you do have to squeeze in to a small space to work. I laid on the quarter berth and slid head first toward the transom and then reached in under the cockpit and stern locker to work. It was awkward but not impossible. I would definitely take the time to check those drains on any M17 that had spent much time in salt water, but it wouldn't hurt to check a fresh water boat as well. Good luck Mark Dvorscak M23 Faith M15 Buttercup and Former M17 Grace -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Michael Ray Wisely Sent: Saturday, March 17, 2012 10:47 PM To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Subject: Re: M_Boats: Cockpit Drainage on 1984 M 17 Hi Jerry, Dave S. and All, I saw the concern about the 81 Cockpit drain pipe. My M 17 (84 model) has the dual underwater drains with hoses connected to dual cockpit drain ports at the port and starboard aft corners of the cockpit. I have had it in the SF bay (Salt) for the past two years and have been worried about them. Just took it out and have concerns. Jerry, or anyone else who might know for sure: We're all of these type made with aluminum pipes or are there some that were made of fiberglass tube or some other piping that I wouldn't have to worry about? I, of course, am too big to squeeze in and don't know anyone that I can trust, who fits, to tell me what the thru hull material is made of. Any advise would be appreciated Jerry, et al. Would rather not try to punch a hole in it to test until I know what the material most likely is, and I have a plan to repair. And, how would you repair it if it was leaking? Not sure what material to put in place if it is Aluminum. Thanks, Michael R. Wisely #384 Molly M.