I owned an early model M17 (not pre-balsa core as #24 is described above, but mid-70s nonetheless). It was a good boat, but an even better learning experience. I had to deal with dropping and refinishing the centerboard, but that really wasn't a big deal once I figured out how to get the boat high enough to do the job. There were other niggling problems, but nothing I couldn't handle myself, and certainly nothing I'd go near a boatyard for. Fortunately I didn't have to deal with the dreaded steel punchings problem. I followed Sean Mulligan's trials and tribulations with his '23, and there ain't enough money in the world to make me go down that path. I now sail a '92 M17, and for the quality that resulted from a 20-year learning curve (no offense to you early model sailors...), I'd probably never own anything but a late model jerry-built boat (except, perhaps, Larry Yake's...). Bob Eeg's trials and tribulations are thoroughly documented, so for me, those (and cost) eliminate his M-boats from the mix (you guys paying 25k or better for a 17ft. sailboat have a good deal more disposable income than I, and I know for a fact you aren't married to somebody like my lovely wife/accountant/task master...). If something like #24 looks like an adventure to one of you courageous souls, more power to you--I'd rather be sailing. Tom On Tue, Dec 3, 2013 at 6:48 AM, Thomas Buzzi <thomaspbuzzi@gmail.com> wrote:
Geez Dave, Where did you get all this info? This is a most interesting email. I copied it for my files. If I had not already owned a '74 and now own a '78, I would certainly shop for a post '93 and circumvent several problems inherent in the original design. I did thoroughly enjoy my '74 for the years I owned it. I have the 78 up on jacks in the driveway now and the board is freeeeee. I doubt the hull had been exposed to much salt water if any. A good buy except for the obvious cosmetic requirements. The yellow hull, by the way, makes most of my neighbors who see the boat smile. Good for neighborhood relations. Fair winds, Tom B Mont 17#258
On Mon, Dec 2, 2013 at 10:55 PM, W David Scobie <wdscobie@yahoo.com> wrote:
i wouldn't say a boat of such age was a 'building experiment'. at the time Jerry was building that M17 MMP had been in business for about five years. in addition Jerry had years of experience running the Cal 40 production line.
from the description shared the following are a concern -
* deck needs painting. a LOT of work. over $1000 to have a yard do the work. * new sails. at least $1200 for a main and 150 genoa. * centerboard - stuck? or just not been lowered since the grounding? if it isn't stuck likely needs to be dropped, sand blasted and re-coated. yard to do work for maybe $1000. * also, is the centerboard stuck because the steel punching in the keel are rusting? rusted keel ballast ... wow. how deep is your wallet? * if the trailer is shot a new one will cost about between $1800 to $2600 (not including cost to get the trailer from the builder to the new owner's location).
so ... if you like to renovate old boats that M17 may be just the ticket; or you could keep looking for one in better condition.
two other things -
the M17s built before about 1983 have different deck/cockpit layouts. the easy to identify differences the pre-83 cockpits only have one large locker (to port) and a smaller one to starboard. there is no aft locker. the pre-83 cabin tops are lower, have a larger slider hatch (which is removable) and a different forward hatch. the older M17s also have the transom cutout for the outboard.
is the slot for the boat is narrow in comparison to an M15? yes, this is correct. the M17s through the late 80s was cast iron. they are narrow and weight about 180 pounds. in the late 80s the cast iron board casting was destroyed by Jerry's foundry sub-contractor. at this time he converted the M17's to using the same, fatter and 45#, M15 centerboard. this was also the time period Jerry was 'migrating' from steel punching in the keel to lead. same transition from steel punching ballast in the M15 centerboards to lead.
:: Dave Scobie :: M17 #375 SWEET PEA - www.m17-375.webs.com
--------------------------------------------
On Mon, 12/2/13, Tom Smith <openboatt@gmail.com> wrote:
I have a '92 in excellent shape, Doug. Asking about price is more out of curiosity than anything. Those very, very early M17s were construction experiments I'm guessing--I can see why jerry shied the guy away from it...
A friend of mine is interested in a starter. FL is a long ways from WA... Tom
On Mon, Dec 2, 2013 at 8:11 PM, Doug Hall <kicker_fixer@yahoo.com> wrote:
hey tom smith , if you want a m17 in similar cond . give me a E/mail it'll be way less than that $1800 tax value . boat is in Fla. pan handle . doug - kicker_ fixer@yahoo'com.
On Monday, December 2, 2013 9:23 PM, Chesley Sugg <csugg@mindspring.com> wrote:
On Dec 2, 2013, at 7:18 PM, Tom Smith wrote:
What is the asking price for this boat?
Don't know yet. Tax value is around $1800. I'll let you know when I talk to them.
Chesley