One tip to add to Gary's list is to keep the trailer tongue cranked all the way down so the mast is tipped slightly forward when stepped. That way, once you push it up and past vertical it's stable, and you can climb down and pin the forestay at your leisure. Rick M-17 #633 Lynne L On Fri, May 27, 2011 at 1:08 AM, <GILASAILR@aol.com> wrote:
I have had a M-15 and currently sail a M-17 tall rig - Rigging does take some time but mine is complicated by a goofy owner. I store it mast-up dry storage at this time.
Between the two boats I strongly prefer the 17 and if/when I change to a smaller lighter boat it will be a Sage 17. Smaller, easier rig, easier to the step the mast, and lighter but 'stiffer' boat when sailing. You really have to sail the boat to get a feeling for the stability of the boat!
Faster than a M-17 and a lot faster than a M-15. Okay - you say who cares about speed - if you are trying to outrun bad weather or get to the destination before dark - speed is your friend - you can ALWAYS 'throttle' back - but be honest fast is mo' fun than slow.
The Sage 17 is smaller - albeit a couple of inches shorter, lighter, roomier interior and the cockpit is bigger than a M-15 and a bit smaller than a M-17. Easier to rig and can probably use a roller furler that does not use a rigid foil for ease of rigging.
Truth be known, I am a fan of Lyle Hess' designs and Jerry Montgomery's boats - ( I am proud to call Jerry a personal friend for years - many of us are his friend and if not you are not yet, you will be!) Maybe I just follow his boats around but I have owned too many GOOD boats to keep track of, and the favorites are his boats at this time.
The M-17 should not take as long as a C-22 to rig and most people get them (C-22s) done in 45+- minutes. The time spent rigging and de-rigging is part of the price we pay for sailing - No worn out engines, minimal fuel costs and the experience of sailing. We have become a society of "Instant" and this sport is NOT instant.
Okay - Possibly Useful ideas - some are reiterated- 1- Shrouds and backstay to remain attached. 2- Adjustable mast carrier at the transom to assist in stepping mast. 3- Use a halyard to help raise the mast - (See M-26 gin pole set-up for more complication) 3a- If you have a furler with a rigid foil see above comment in brackets) 4- Practice will increase your organization and allow you time to check all before launch. 5- Launching a M-17 is a breeze with anything BUT a SMALL vehicle - If needed add a tongue ext. 6- Good keel guides make retrieving a breeze - but they must be properly set-up.(as close to the bottom of the boat as possible and 'tight' on the sides of the keel) 7- Your boat -Stowing, Towing, Storing, Rigging skills will become more efficient with practice.
I personally think selling the boat is a bit of overkill unless it was an A-23 or similar (sorry) The M-17 is a GREAT boat - If easier rigging is desired - Check out a Sage 17 - it has addressed these items and you get some improvements over the M-17 - shoot - look at the Designer - he is a true GEEZER ! It is his choice of boats for his Golden Years!
I have no financial interest in the Sage 17 - I do respect and like the Designer, Company Owners, and the BOAT. I have sailed it, and If I changed boats for "age-related reasons" or ease of set-up, I would be choosing my Hull/Deck colors for my Sage 17 right now. It may happen someday.
Why am I talking up a Sage on the Montgomery list? - it is one Jerry M's Kids !
That is my opinion - and it's right!
GO Take Care, Have Fun, Go Sail M-17, M-7.11, Penguin, Sunfish.........
PS - I have plenty of physical limitations to make me 'take it easy'- some self-induced, they have not prevented me from dealing with the larger boat. Use your head -not your ,arms, back, legs, etc..How is that for a rambling tirade doctor??? _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats
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