Tom, Yes. Thanks for the correction. I meant the jib halyard. I also made my mast support at the stern about 5' off the stern to give me some more angle to hoist the mast. So far I haven't needed a vertical pole, like the gin pole you suggested. But it won't be much longer before I need all the help (and gizmos) I can find to get the job done. Thanks, Joe ----- Original Message ----- From: Tom Jenkins To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats Sent: Thursday, July 05, 2012 3:10 PM Subject: Re: M_Boats: Fw: How sailing is a HUGE part of my life,worth reading! Joe, Do you mean the jib halyard? I can't visualize a tackle on the jib sheet relative to mast raising. Until recently, I ran my 4:1 tackle from the bow pulpit or trailer mast support to the jib halyard shackle (with the halyard cleated off). I raised the mast to outstretched arm height while standing on the cockpit seats near the mainsheet tackle, after which the tackle was strong enough to raise the mast to vertical. It was a bear when something fouled, since lowering the mast again is a hassle. Now I use a 6' gin pole strapped to the mast about two feet from the bottom end, and the upper end joins the tackle and the jib halyard as before. Now I can raise the mast easily from the stern support with one hand running the tackle and the other steadying the mast. To avoid possible mast swaying in the wind, I have now attached some light guys to steady the rig, one from the jib halyard eye strap to the chainplates on both sides, and one from the gin pole top to the wooden handholds on each side. Now getting older might not be fun, but sailing is still an option without deck apes onboard. Tom On Jul 5, 2012, at 10:53 AM, Joe Murphy wrote:
I can't vouch for the M15 but I have no complaints about my M17. The most common remark I get from people is "that's the biggest 17 foot boat I've ever seen" referring to the cockpit and the cabin. It's a pleasure for 2 for a few nights. And she sails great. I prefer to have someone serve as an extra pair of eyes when I raise the mast. Just to make sure I don't snag a shroud or stay and to make sure the shroud turnbuckles are lined up properly. I attach a 4:1 purchase to the jib sheet so it makes it easy as pie to control the raising and lowering. Joe SeaFrog M17 ----- Original Message ----- From: Gail Russell To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats Sent: Thursday, July 05, 2012 11:04 AM Subject: Re: M_Boats: Fw: How sailing is a HUGE part of my life, worth reading!
My husband and I are 65 and 70, respectively. We previously owned a Norseman 447, but it was just too much for us financially and physically. We are now contemplating getting an M15 or M17. We live in Sonoma County, and spend summers in the high desert of far northeast California, near various lakes in Oregon. We could also trailer to the Puget Sound/Gulf Islands area.
I think an M17 might be best for us, but cannot really get a bead on how difficult it is to do the rigging and handling. Is there a way we could observe someone rigging these boats? Maybe go the Havasu Pocket Cruisers convention?
Also, I gather there are ways to make the rigging easier, but have not actually seen examples of the systems in use for raising/rigging the mast.
Gail Russell Cedarville CA and Forestville CA
-----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Robert Hall Sent: Thursday, July 05, 2012 7:59 AM To: Montgomery Owners Subject: M_Boats: Fw: How sailing is a HUGE part of my life, worth reading!
Hello All, Like Sal I am an older sailor . At 81 I too am looking forward to at least 10 years more on the water in my old M 15.Fair winds. RTH.