"I'd like to hear more about the boom tent you're having made. I may give your supplier another order. What material did you choose, how large is the tent, and how will it attach to your boat?" I have been thinking about and working on this boom tent for some time. I am slowly closing in on the final size and design mock up. I have been monk eying around with boom height, shape and supports. I bought a very large light weight poly tarp (white) to use as a pattern and (interim) boom tent. This stuff is easy to cut and tape into the shape I want. I can add grommets wherever I need them. Normally, in my own area I have little need for a boom tent. The summers are warm with little rain. What has changed is I have taken to sleeping in the cockpit most nights. It is just easier to keep an anchor watch on windy nights and saves getting out of bed to stand up and have a look throughout the night. Plus it is just nicer with more fresh air and stars. On potential weather nights it would be great to have some cover. My goal is to spend more and more time in the Gulf Islands during the summers. Even in the middle of a coastal summer, occasional damp and rainy days are inevitable. The plan at this point is to have a full enclosure with a sloping forward section to provide at least a little aerodynamic flow. I have been led to believe this will settle the boat when on the hook. I plan on lots of zippers to add or subtract panels. I hope to be able to convert to an open sun shade as well as have screened panels when necessary. Big plans.....we'll see. If finances permit, I will have a local canvas expert make it. If not, I will attempt the construction myself. Once there is a final functional version, and I am happy with it, I will share dimensions and specs. If I do intend to have it made, we can either have he maker keep the patterns so others can have one built. Or I can share some images of the mock up and see about a price reduction for more than one unit. My main inspiration comes from what Charles Stock has done for his 17 footer. There is one small image of his arrangement on this page (better images appear in his book) http://shoal-waters.moonfruit.com/#/stodaypart1/4513804970 Here is some excellent info: http://www.mistweb.force9.co.uk/content/cpittent.html ...and some more: http://www.canvaswindmill.co.uk/PAGE2.HTM This page has some good details and tips: http://www.widgetsailor.com/sbjournal/tent/tent1.html Here is a short essay by Charles Stock on living aboard a small boat. As written by a man who has sailed 60,000 miles on his 17 foot sailboat ....often with his wife. Keep in mind, an M17 is a lot roomier than this 17 footer. http://shoal-waters.moonfruit.com/#/livingcomfortlyon/4513744242 Cheers, Tim Diebert M17 PUFF Kelowna BC, Canada.....six hours from the big salty lake. On Nov 15, 2008, at 2:23 PM, Tim Diebert wrote:
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
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