Afternoon Tim, At my age (60, almost 61), I can deal with bending and stooping to a certain degree, but I agree, we need a place to relax from time to time that is comfortable. We realize that most of the boats in this size range are somewhat limited in terms of space. But we also know that if you have a well designed layout, you can make it very comfortable and functional; bigger isn't necessarily better as we all know. For example, we looked at a ComPac 23; well built boats, but the layout is not good. That might account for the fact you see a lot of them on the market, and very reasonably priced. I wish I were 5'10"...sure makes things easier and less complicated....take care...John ----- Original Message ----- From: "Tim Diebert" <tim@timtone.com> To: <wdscobie@yahoo.com>; "'For and about Montgomery Sailboats'" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Saturday, November 15, 2008 2:23 PM Subject: Re: M_Boats: Montgomery 17 I would agree with most of what Dave has pointed out in regards to the M17. While you can sit in an M17, IMHO there is not really a way to sit for longer periods comfortably. I am only 5'9" tall and even with a custom made back rest on the strbd qtr berth 'seat', my head hits the cabin sides. In good weather the cockpit is always the most comfortable area to sit. (I am having a nice boom tent made for the boat) I am right in the middle of laying out a truly custom seat inside my 17. I have some minor back issues and need to be able to relax my back after a day of sailing. Once I have this little job done the 17 will be the perfect boat for me. I would also add that I have cruised for 10 days with my wife on the 17. All anchorages no marinas. It was easy enough, but once we were home she did tell me that although it was fine, she wouldn't be doing it again. That was two summers ago. (I should add that it was during a hot spell, no rain) I have been planning a couple of weeks in the Gulf Islands next season. Just two days ago she asked if she could come along. Tim Kelowna BC M17 #369 --------------------------------------------- -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of W David Scobie Sent: Saturday, November 15, 2008 11:57 AM To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats Subject: Re: M_Boats: Montgomery 17 john & joy: i'm a M15 owner (wishing to 'move up' to the 17). sleeping - the forward v-berth is the location. the compression post does 'split' the berth. the 1/4 berths are good for seating, not adult sleeping. seating - one can sit in the 17 no problem (unless you are long in body and over 6'4"). one cannot stand when in the cabin. overnighting - if you work well together one can do multiple weeks/months in the 17 ... but my perspective is from the M15 and tent-camping. the Mboats can carry more stuff than you can really need ... under the berths, the stern end of the quarterberths and cockpit locters. potty: under the v-berth, starboard side of the compression post. steel centerboard & ballast - only the older boats the the steel. the new boats are lead. the current model M15 & M17 use the same centerboard. see SCRED's www-site for a page about the steel centerboard/ballast and the M17 (link below). you are correct that there are not many used M17s available ... there is a reason for this. they are GREAT boats! dave scobie M15 #288 - SCRED visit Scred's www-site: http://www.freewebs.com/m15-named-scred --- On Sat, 11/15/08, John Merrell <mayrel@hughes.net> wrote: Greetings, We're researching various trailerable "pocket cruisers" such as the Montgomery 17, ComPac Sun Cat, Precision 18 and Catalina 18 MK II. Since Montgomery sells direct to the public from California, it's difficult to view on of these fine boats. With that said, we're soon to be retired and want to do some "trailer sailing" to enhance our retirement activities. Having owned a Skipper 20 and a Morgan OutIsland 30, we have some sailing experience. We've emailed Montgomery with some questions, but we'd prefer to obtain information from M17 owners. One of our first questions is does the cabin have sufficient room for two adults to spend 3 to 4 nights on the hook? How much sitting headroom is there, especially where the head is located? How long and wide are the berths? Without opening ports, is there enough ventalation, or would dorades be a good idea? What about the steel centerboard; is maintenance difficult and what all is required to keep it working properly? We realize we're asking a lot of questions, but Montgomery's are expensive new and there doesn't seem to be many pre-owned M17's on the market. Again, it's difficult to find one to even look over. So we are hoping we can find some help through this avenue. Early thanks for any help you can provide. Sincerely, John and Joy _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.175 / Virus Database: 270.9.4/1790 - Release Date: 11/15/2008 9:32 AM _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats