Harry, Once upon a time I was worried about my M-15 with a short shaft Honda 2, and whether it had the right stuff. Got to test it coming out of the canal that runs north behind Janes Island from Crisfield, MD. It was blowing hard from the west, so the fetch was several miles across the bay. Waves at least 4-5'. We needed to get out into Tangier Sound, clear of the lee shore to raise sail. At that time, I didn't have an adjustable motor mount, even. But I was quite surprised, and pleased, with how well that little motor pushed the 15 over those big waves and into the wind. It wasn't fast, but it did the job, no sweat. Wouldn't you know it, but the time we got to Smith Island, all sail was up and the motor was on again. The wind had completely died. The short shaft motor is fine if you have an adjustable mount, and I think Bob is putting adjustables on all new boats now. Bill Riker M15 - #184 Storm Petrel -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces+wriker=mindspring.com@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces+wriker=mindspring.com@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Harry & Nancy Sent: Sunday, October 29, 2006 12:02 PM To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Subject: M_Boats: My new mountgomery 15 Hi folks, I'm buying a new Montgomery 15 and would appreciate any information you could give me on several issues. My sailing will be on wild and wooly Lake Superior (water 40 degrees F and big storms). Auxiliary motor: I'd like the quietest one; was thinking of a Mercury 3.5hp vs a Honda 2hp?; short or long shaft? Cabin heater: any experience with an Origo alcohol heater? Tender: I am a kayaker and hope to tow my kayak behind the Mont.15. Would this create too much drag? Trailer tires: the best tires for long distance trailing in winter (Jan /07 from S.Cal. to our home in Thunder Bay on Lake Superior. Overall length and width of Mont.15 on a Pacific trailer? (I'm hoping to squeeze it in between my shed and garage) I am really excited about getting one. Everything I have read and heard sounds like it is a great little boat. Josh at Small Craft Advisor was very helpful. I've made the first of three payments to Bob Eeg. I don't know if construction has started yet(no news is good news?), but my wife and I will pick it up in California at the end of Jan. 2007. I'll keep you posted as to its progress. Any advice /information you could give me would be greatly appreciated Thanks Harry Elmslie P.S I hope this acquisition will bestow some respect on me among the Thunder Bay sailing fraternity. Local kayakers are labled "sea lice" by the sailing crowd. _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats