Hi All: My name is Leif Eriksson and my boat partner's name is Henry Sapp. Together, we are owned by an almost derelict M17. When we acquired it a few weeks ago it had no sails, no cushions, no battery, no radio, no rudder, no masthead light, no wiring of any kind, no safety gear and no boom. Over the past few weeks we've managed to acquire a set of sails which need to be cut down to fit, cushions, battery, boom, retractable motor mount, anchor and life jackets. So we are making progress and are determined to sail this summer. Our most immediate need is for either a damaged rudder or a diagram from which to build a new rudder. We have a kick up blade, so with that we are half way there. We will be sailing on the lower Neuse River below New Bern, NC which has a lot of good water but a lot of thin spots also. We'll keep the group posted on our progress and welcome any comments, advice, warning or whatever information anyone would care to send. We look forward to being active owners and expect to enjoy being part of this group. Have the best of summers. Leif Eriksson M17 "GRAYSWANDUR"