On 05-Sep-13 11:43 AM, Tyler Backman wrote: Hi Tyler, We owned an M15 #400 for many years, having down-sized from a 29 foot sailboat,in order to get away from the obnoxious motorboat drivers infesting all our old quiet coastal hide-aways I think if you add the filler piece to the mattresses, you'll find that you can sleep very comfortably. The M15 is small enough so that we towed it behind a VW-Jetta wagon, and prior to that with a VW-GTI. It'll do 70 MPH to windward down an Interstate and you never even know that something is behind the car. It is easy to step the mast (after doing it the first time). An M15 is an absolute delight to sail. A trailer tongue extension makes launching and retrieving much easier. We used a 2 HP HONDA and it is a great power plant for the M15 (unless you want to tow a water skier, then you'll need more power). A lift motor mount, allows you to get the prop totally out of the water / or conversely, you can lower the engine so that the prop is deeper in the water. If you want to sail mostly by yourself - as I did toward the end of my sailing career - you'll find that a longer tiller is necessary so that you can sit as far forward in the cockpit as you can. That keeps the transom from dragging, which slows you down. A "Toolbox Galley" - see the M-site archives, solves that problem neatly. If you can't find the photos in the archives, send me an email and I can send you my photos so that you can see how it was made. Mine contained everything the two of us needed for living aboard; and it was extensively used on road trips as well. Good luck on your search. Connie Benneck ex M15 #400 LEPPO
Thanks Larry,
I am looking for a used one but I see they're very hard to find, so I will take Bob up on his offer to visit the factory and consider saving up for a new one.
I'll take a look at the 17 but I'm pretty set on the 15. The small size and extreme simplicity really appeals to me.... I want something much lighter and smaller than my old Catalina 22, which was hard to trailer with my '84 Volvo and took too long to rig for daysailing.
I am considering as an "exercise" in extreme simplicity that I may try setting up a Montgomery 15 for cruising with no electrical system, or motor (but w/ battery powered LED lights & oars).
Tyler
On Sep 5, 2013, at 7:51 AM, Hughston, Larry@DGS wrote:
Tyler, I did not see in your email if you are buying new or used. If getting used I would guess that someone of your height would be sailing a Monty 17 which is still uncomplicated to rig alone. I have the Monty 15 and it is easy to use sailing alone but I am 5'9". The 17 however is said to sail like a much larger sailboat. With your experience the Bay is not too big for a Monty 17 driven by someone with your experience......Just my 2 cents. This is a great forum and you will find all types information on the Montgomery. Don't forget, the new Montgomery Sage is being made now also.
Fair Winds Tyler, ---- Larry in Sacramento.