Hi, Sandra I guess you have a 17, right? I always mount the rudder and tiller before launching and have not had any problems yet with grounding out. I did it once in the water but found it to be a royal pain, especially getting the split ring in the little hole under the lowermost gudgeon.
Yes, you can steer the boat using only the engine. In fact, that may make it simpler because then there is only the motor to turn. Tod _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats
