To all, many thanks for your enthusiastic welcome.  Twelve years ago I joined the Windmill Class (15'6" racing sloop) largely on the strength of the friendly people in the class.  Studying the class membership is a good way to choose a boat.  I quickly discovered that hanging out with Windmill owners was as much fun as sailing the sporty Windmill;  they are a good sort.  Seems that way with the Montgomery folk, as well:  I lurked on your site for some months before buying a boat.  I'm also pleased to note that the Windmill and M-15 jibs are exactly the same dimensions, so I have a basement full of ex-racing jibs, dacron still crackly, from which to choose.
 
To answer a few questions:
 
>>
>How did you trace the list of owners? I would like to know where my M-17 has
been since it left the factory.
>
 
I wish I could claim elaborate gumshoe work.  But the truth is that among #412's papers was a "statement of origin," with room for second, third, and fourth assignments.  Each new owner had dutifully recorded their name. 
 
>
>John, I'd be curious to know what your deck plan is and what hardware you are thinking of using...a dingy racer's perspective would be interesting...
>>
 
I'll snap some digital photos when I get to that stage. 

Cheers,
John
 
Chesapeake Light Craft
The Best Boats You Can Build
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