Wayne, Since no one has answered your question (on-list) yet, I'll venture a "no", given that newer M17's centerboards don't fit older 17's . . . And I believe Bob Eeg changed most everything about Jerry Montgomery's M23 when Bob reintroduced her as the M23 Offshore Cutter . . . But I'm just guessing and could be wrong. Perhaps Bob will (or already has) weigh(ed) in . . .
I've never heard of a M23 being susceptible to the ballast-swelling problem that plagues some older M-boats that incorporated steel-shot ballast (newer boats incorporate lead ballast) . . . That ballast-swelling problem has narrowed the centerboard trunks of some older M-boats, impeding their boards' raising and lowering . . . If the Washington State boat suffers centerboard trunk narrowing due to steel-shot ballast swelling, that could be the reason a previous owner fixed the centerboard in position. My guess is that the board was fixed in position because of another, readily repairable, problem with the board raising/lowering. Or perhaps the board was working fine and the original owner had his own (mysterious) reason for wanting to fix it in place. If my guess is right, the board itself is probably salvageable, and the issue is how to retract it or remove it so the boat can be loaded onto her trailer . . . Would like to read the details if you have the opportunity to inspect her in person. Fair winds, Craig ----- Original Message ----- From: "Wayne Saewyc" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Saturday, September 18, 2004 10:39 PM Subject: M23 for Sale The gent from Vancouver also contacted this seller... with some of the same worries Rachel found. This isn't a pristine boat. But it also isn't a complete project either (for example, it floats...) I will try to get a chance to look at it. (I'll be meeting an M23 tomorrow, and if everything worked out *just*right* I might have time to drive down and see it - it's in Olympia, WA) Anyone know if the new (bronze) swing keel can be fit into the original case? Wayne Saewyc _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats
