One more "two cents worth"... As for lapstrake vs. smooth hull, I would opt for lapstrake everytime -- even after spending considerable time removing old bottom paint and preparing for new bottom paint. The looks of the lapstrake hull set the Montgomery apart from all the other look-alikes out there. For me, I would opt for more room in the cabin -- especially if it gave me sitting room. I spend 1 to 2 weeks at a time cruising in my M-15 and would really like to be able to sit upright in the cabin. I cruise in northern waters where mosquitos make sitting in the cockpit after dusk an impossiblity -- and I don't want to have the added hassle of setting up a boom tent each night. Since I do a lot of day sailing and keep my M-15 on a trailer, keeping the rigging simple is a major consideration. It typically takes me about 30 minutes to rig and launch. John Hippe M-15 Jester