Clarence, You might consider this: One M-Lister's solution to the cockpit drainage problem was to reverse the cockpit hoses leading to the cockpit drains. The result is that (please forgive me if I have these terms reversed, I'm afraid I'm "sailing-lingo-disadvantaged"), on a port-tack, the water coming in the port thru-hull has to travel to the starboard ("high-side", if I have my lingo right) drain. On a starboard-tack, the water coming in the starboard thru-hull has to travel to the port ("high-side") drain. I believe the M-lister who reversed his drain-hoses said the switch solved the water incursion problem, while still allowing water to drain "out" effectively. Personally, I wouldn't want to raise my cockpit floor substantially, if I could avoid it, because I wouldn't want that "knees at your chin" dingy feel you'll get in a Com-Pac 16', or Seaward Fox. At 5' 0" tall, I am probably the shortest Montgomery sailor on this list, yet the height of the M17 cockpit benches is perfect for me, and I wouldn't want to lower it by raising the cockpit floor: Just my personal preference. Of the boats I've sailed, including a Flicka 20' and Cal 25', the M17 has the most comfortable cockpit. --Craig ----- Original Message ----- From: "n9ca" <n9ca@comcast.net> To: "For and about Montgomery Sailboats" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Saturday, July 19, 2003 4:18 PM Subject: Some M17 Questions Tom, My M-17 (#604 mfg 2000) does the same thing. When in fresh water, and with the boat loaded, some water also comes in through the scuppers. I am considering raising the floor of my cockpit about 2 1/2 to 3 inches so I can have dry feet. I considered a grating, but it's a pain when something drops through. What I'm considering is laying in a foam sheet about three inches thick, with gutters around the sides, and a cut-out for the traveler and the Whalegushe bilge pump, covering and bonding it in with a several coats of 10 oz. cloth, then a gel coat. The foam can be obtained through Wick's Aircraft Supply (http://www.wicksaircraft.com) , and is NOT styrofoam, which would be melted by the resin. This is one of those 'might do' projects, second in line behind making a kick-up rudder. Clarence Andrews M-17 Carpe Ventum