Putting the drop boards in, though a pain to step over in a 17', and having at least the bottom one barrel bolted in place so that the sill is about at the height of the coamings is good insurance. I added a step to my cockpit the top of which comes almost even with the companionway opening. It facilitates stepping over that bottom drop board. It also turned out to be a nifty place to attach my mainsheet traveler. I was able to thoroughly close about nine bolt holes in the cockpit sole and the mainsheet has a much fairer lead to the boom. Very glad this gentleman survived the experience. Does it EVER warm up in the Ottawa River?? I know Long Island Sound off Connecticut never really warms up in the summer and that body of water is a bit further south than the Ottawa. Sale safely, Tom B.