Maria, Thanks for your response. Indeed, your story is similar to my own with the exception of the power boat. Substitute instead a historic canoe stern sailboat with all stainless ports on a cabin trunk that was mahogany and lots of teak. A stunning boat but I never did anything but maintain her. The Ranger 26 is a great boat but moorage is terribly expensive and getting worse. Other than a 10 day cruise to the San Juan Islands, she is used only for day sails and overnighters. I live literally 1/2 mile from boat launches in a lovely neighborhood in Seattle. I thought a 15 might be easier to launch than a 17, although still sturdy enough to ply both the Puget Sound. Happy sailing. Ugo -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces+crokesus=earthlink.net@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces+crokesus=earthlink.net@mailman.xmission.com ] On Behalf Of Maria Jorge Sent: Sunday, April 15, 2007 9:12 AM To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats Subject: Re: M_Boats: Downsizing to a Montgomery 15 Hi Hugh: I can certainly relate to what you're going through. I guess I am a typical sailor in that I started out small in a Rhodes 19, then caught the cruising bug and bought a bilge keel Westerly 23 (poor performance), downsized again to a Flying Scot, tried a powerboat (Boston Whaler Montauk), back to sailing in a Precision 18, added a powerboat (Mako 17) and then threw all caution to the winds and bought a Nonsuch 30. I must say that I loved the Nonsuch and if I had unlimited time and funds would probably still own it. Increasing dock fees and insurance in South Florida killed it for me. When I started looking around for a trailer sailor again, I knew performance and stout construction was paramount. The Monty 17 that I now own fits the bill. I had originally considered a 15 but the 17 offers so much more room for the two feet that it was a no brainer. I keep my 17 at a marina, fully rigged and ready to sail. If I was keeping it at home and stepping the mast each time, I would get a 15. I bought my 17 used so cannot offer any thoughts regarding buying new. However, I have dealt with the builder, Bob Eeg on a few replacement items and he has been great. I was lucky to find my boat (a fiberglass centerboard model) used although I did have to travel almost 3000 miles roundtrip to get it. This is typical for many Montgomery owners. This board is a great resource and if you go through the archives there is a ton of information to help you. Two years ago I decided I couldn't resist the beautiful lines and spur of the moment sailing ease offered by a Melonseed so I now have two boats. You can never have enough boats! Maria ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ugo BR" <crokesus@earthlink.net> To: <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Saturday, April 14, 2007 6:45 PM Subject: M_Boats: Downsizing to a Montgomery 15
I am selling my Gary Mull Ranger 26 and looking to downsize. Too much upkeep for this aging sailor. Being a long-time fan of Hess boats, the Montgomery 15 seems the perfect boat for me. I have spent the greater part of the month coveting them and have decided that one will definitely be in my future. The Montgomery 15 seems like an actual sailboat, not a toy with cloth flapping in the wind. I would like to be able to continue to ply the Puget Sound waters in relative safety.
I consider myself an adequate sailor, having had boats from 22 to 38 feet over the last 15 years. Any other downsizing sailor's out there who now own a Montgomery?
I would also be interested to hear from any recent purchasers. How long does it take to order and then receive a Montgomery 15? Did you special order anything? Ports, hardware, sails? Other advice?
Thanks-
Hugh
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