Bigger is better for what? Towing? launching? Cleaning? Painting? Buying parts for? Shoal sailing? It's a tough call; everything is indeed a tradeoff. Perhaps most ephemeral is the joy of sailing itself. Other things being equal, a smaller boat provides a more intimate, immediate (groping for words here) experience than a larger one-the sailor is a larger part of the process. I think that's why small, high quality boats such as the Melonseed are so popular. Certainly, the M-17 would be larger, more comfortable, and more seaworthy (I'm being an audacious outsider here. I haven't sailed the M-17, and have sailed an M-15 only once, so this is $0.02 worth of armchair opinion). Happily, the M-15 and M-17 ARE equal in a vast number of ways, making comparisons easier. Now that I've muddied the water terribly, I think I'll make a hasty exit.... Good Luck! Steve Tyree P-15 #2098 "Amy Ann" In a message dated 1/28/2004 7:59:09 AM Central Standard Time, gilbert@mindgame.com writes: I was very excited about the response, I think I would rather have something from a mfg that is still in buisness, due to parts, support etc. NOOWW aside from the price difference, and of course the size. I would think bigger is better. I probably will get runned off the list for this question