Gila, I added a few more pictures to the Facebook album that show some of the in progress shots of the ballast removal. I would not suggest this method of repairing a stuck CB. I think going into the trunk from the sides is a better choice. The reason I went this way is that the floor was already opened by the previous owner. The basic technique is lots of time with an air chisel and a shop vac. It is a VERY messy job. Expect chunks of steel everywhere; hair, nose, eyes, pockets, shoes, washer, dryer, and all over the boat. I found it impossible to remove all the steel from the top. I couldn't find chisels long enough to reach the bottom and the body of my air chisel is too wide to fit deeply into the trunk. Using gauge sticks from the bottom of the trunk, it is possible to map where the trunk is squeezed. After I knew where the trouble was located, I was able to concentrate on those areas. You can see and feel the difference between the areas that have rusted and those that are still sound. Once the trouble areas were mined, the CB was fitted back into the trunk to verify that it would move freely. I sealed the top of the remaining steel with a layer of epoxy. Next, I filled the trunk with the lead beads and then sealed that with another layer of epoxy. On top of that is a new fiberglass layer sealing the top of the trunk and finally the floor. http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=37636&id=100000835691253&saved#!/photo .php?fbid=193149217389600&set=a.178563832181472.37636.100000835691253&theate r -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of GILASAILR@aol.com Sent: Monday, April 04, 2011 10:03 PM To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Subject: Re: M_Boats: M17 373 Earl, How did you remove the steel ballast? Any photos of that ordeal? Inquiring mind(s) want to know - and if you have the 'ugly details' pix - that would be cool. GO M-17 - so far ... _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats When posting, remember that there is no privacy on the Internet!