Lloyd Kelman, previous owner of my Vixen and since then my friend, sent me an article a couple of months ago on the life and times of Lyle C. Hess that appeared in WoodenBoat 15 years ago. Though there is only passing mention of the Montgomery 17 that Mr. Hess designed, it is a very interesting story, with three sidebar stories and some great photos, including SERAFFYN. Better read it while you can, I don't know how long I can keep it on the web site (don't ask). http://msog.org/yarns/lyle_hess_wb/wb-lylehess.htm A great tribute to a great man. And I do have a quick question. Vixen has no chafing protection where the pendant enters the CB trunk--it's just rubbing against the unfinished fiberglass edge of the hole. No chafing damage done yet, but it's a matter of time. I don't know what was there originally. A nylon bushing or grommet didn't stay given the pressure the pendant puts on the edge, so what about a smoothed epoxy buildup (outside and--yuck--inside) around the hole? Anybody have any successful experience with some other solution? Doug ------------------------------------------ Doug King M-17 #404 "Vixen" Montgomery Sailboats Owners Group Web site: http://msog.org Email: mailto:msog@msog.org