Been there done that, I ordered the IDA sailor robo rudder, but have not installed it yet. It is heavier than the mahogany rudder so I look forward to checking it out. BTW I sail in salt water so I think I am going to be an extreme tester. Gil Mont '17 -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces+gilbert.landin=gmail.com@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces+gilbert.landin=gmail.com@mailman.xmission.c om] On Behalf Of jake horine Sent: Sunday, June 29, 2008 6:57 PM To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Subject: M_Boats: rudder replacement Hello All; We are in need of a new rudder for our m17. I thought I would get some advice and suggestions from the Monty group before I made any decisions. I have looked at the Idasailor ( the newest version ) but have some concerns about the gas shock. If they are anything like the ones that are commonley used on autos and campers they seem to have a relative short life span. Are their any other alternative designs. I wish to install a kick-up style, as I think I dodged a bullet by not damaging the transom when shredding to splinters the old rudder. Cheers Jake Horine M 17 1977 #263 "Fortuna' _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats