"Probably the compromise lies in having two boats rather than making do with one." My thoughts exactly, as owner of an M17 and 1/3 partner in a PS Flicka . . . However, I actually want to go smaller: Get out of the Flicka partnership, and acquire a small open classic daysailor that is easy to launch, retrieve and singlehand on smaller lakes . . . However, not a dinghy, but a boat in which one sits on benches, rather than floorboards . . . ----- Original Message ----- From: <IDCLLC@aol.com> To: <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Friday, August 13, 2004 10:24 AM Subject: Boat ramp strategies Bill, Surely such a fine reply is worth more than 2 cents! I can't help but agree with you. I did manage to sail an M-15, for about an hour, thanks to the kindness of Charless Fawlkes and his wife. What marvelous boats. It's a lot more boat in lots of ways than our Potter-one very big foot longer and one very big foot wider, as it were. Probably the compromise lies in having two boats rather than making do with one. Still, if I can figure out a stategy for those edgy ramps... Cheers, Steve Tyree, P-15 In a message dated 8/13/2004 1:12:05 AM Central Standard Time, BILLAMICASR@aol.com writes: Hi Steve, Here's my 2-cents worth. Far as I can see, the P-15, P-19 / M-15 & M-17 all have there place. For me the P-15 wasn't enough boat. However, it suits lots & LOTS of trailer sailors. Sounds like the waters you sail may be well suited to a P-15. If you find yourself wanting a larger, more useable cabin, more cruising abilities with more safety... then it's possibly time for a change. However, the P-15 will launch in a mud puddle and with the addition of the self adhesive "Hull Guard" material (Cabelas, Overtons, etc.) it's probably the ideal craft. If you find yourself wanting to venture to larger bodies of water with the ever present docks, launch fees, etc... again it's time for a change. In closing, find someone with an M-15 and get an hour in on the tiller. If you could pick a nice windy & scary day, so much the better as you'll be convinced of the M-15's abilities. Try out the cavernous (in comparison) cabin and imagine an overnighter in that space. I haven't even got my boat home yet... However, I can't tell you how happy I am to have a capable vessel. Even though I can't even sail her yet. Two more schools of thoughts. It's better to have any boat... than no boat at all. AND It's better to want something you don't have than to have something you don't want. Which is to say... Keep the P-15 while wishing and wanting your new M-15/17. Want it bad enough and you'll soon find yourself with one! In the mean time look into the "Hull Guard" stuff... Regards, Bill M-17 SF Bay Area