Practically every boat review I've read says boats (of all sizes) should have hasps on their cockpit lockers, a feature many manufacturers don't offer (easy enough for buyers to add their own). After reading Murray's post, I'm considering them more seriously. Would a centerboard retracted into its trunk inhibit righting? The result is less surface to brace against to right the boat, but the Montys' ballast is slung low, either way. Another question: I have been told that when conditions get dicey, I'm less likely to suffer a knock-down if the board is up. The theory is that, without the board's resistance, the boat will "skitter" sideways in a gust, rather than going over. What's the consensus? ----- Original Message ----- From: <s.mcclellan@attbi.com> To: <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Thursday, January 16, 2003 10:38 AM Subject: self righting Murray--I agree with Rich that the details of your experience with the M-15 knock-down would be of interest to all of us. Whatever details you can provide about the events leading up to it could help us to avoid losing all the stuff in our cockpit lockers as well. One other question: did you notice-- did the centerboard swing back up into the slot when she went over? It seems likely given your description of her position in the water, and if so, then it is very possible that this contributed to the lack of self-righting, and it would behoove M15 owners to seriously consider some kind of down-position locking mechanism for the centerboard. Also, what kind of positive floatation does she carry. This was a big discussion in this group last winter. I personally have NO added floatation in my M15, but I know a lot of people do, and I am definitely planning to add some sooner or later. (Maybe a lot sooner, now that I've heard your story.) Thanks for sharing! -- Steve McClellan~~M15~#152~~Chicago