In a message dated 4/23/02 7:49:06 PM, cwfowlkes@imt.net writes: << I was lucky to purchase a 1985 M15 with Ivory hull with Green trim last week when I was in California. It is in great shape but I am making "improvements" such as removing the bow pulpit which I did not feel I needed. As soon as the weather warms I will fill the holes; it snowed a little today in Bozeman.>> Might I suggest that you wait on removing the bow pulpit until you have sailed the boat in a variety of conditions?! I cannot imagine trying to do a headsail change or anchoring without mine. There is precious little in the way of places to hold on to up there, and the motion of the M15 is lively to say the least. Some of us have added a stern rail, stanchions, and lifelines as well. At very least, you might want to hang on to the pulpit in case you change your mind. <<I plan to refinish the aluminum cheeks as soon as I can find some Zinc Chromate primer in my little town. Think I will put some anti-seizing compound on the bolts when I put it back together, that is if I can remember where all the parts go!>> You might want to consider powder coating the cheeks. The finish is more scratch resistant, and looks great. <<There were about five loose blocks of Styrofoam in this space, each about the size of a shoe box. Is this extra floatation needed?>> The M15's positive flotation relies on Styrofoam both fore and aft. On my 1991 M15, the area under the cockpit sole, as well as a portion under the starboard locker/lazzarette is filled with large foam blocks. The forward locker under the v-berth is also filled, and the lid is screwed down. There is a certain number of cubic feet of foam required to maintain this positive flotation, but I cannot remember what that number is. Perhaps someone else on this list will chime in with the exact amount. <<After some minor rigging changes and painting the trailer and finding some new tires I should be ready to head for the water.>> I would suggest going with radial tires in lieu of the bias ply trailer tires. I switched to 12" Goodyear Tiempo radials on my otherwise stock 'Trail-Rite' trailer, and have been very happy I did so. Make sure to have them balanced. <<We DO have some lakes in Montana but they are frozen part of the year. I have trailed other boats to Puget Sound, Baja, and the Florida Keys. Am not sure what we will do with the M15 but it sure is cute!>> Cute, but quite capable. My wife and I have trailed our M15 to British Columbia for three week cruises in the Gulf Islands, Desolation Sound, and Princess Louisa. As far as I am concerned, the only real limiting factor of the M15 is comfort in poor weather. <<Thanks to the encouragement of several members of this group. Charless Fowlkes Bozeman, MT >> Congratulations, and good luck! Scott Grometer M15 #478 "bebe"