Here's my 2 cents. My M17 always, I mean always, gets compliments. The lapstrake is the part of the draw. But the same people will compliment Flickas and Falmouth Cutters, both smoooth hulls.How does lapstrake translate into costs over smooth hull? Suggestions?? - Make the cockpit 6'6". That would still leave plenty of room for the quarter berth. But, how many people actually sleep in the quarter berths? My 38" waist can't do a 360 roll over. - Raise the bridge to the same height as the cockpit seats and square off the companionway. - Raise the cockpit sole just a tad above the water line. Don't get me wrong. I love my M17. Good luck with your endeavors. I hope you don't get so engrossed that you stray from the pack. Joe ----- Original Message ----- From: "jerry" <jerry@jerrymontgomery.org> To: <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Wednesday, May 13, 2009 3:25 PM Subject: M_Boats: market research
Something more pleasant! I've been in a dialog with a builder to design a "Montgomery style" boat; probably 16', and I'd like to ask you for some opinions and comments.
Lapstrake: How do you think the average buyer, looking for a boat in this size range, would look at a lapstrake hull as opposed to a smooth hull? You and I are probably prejudiced so we don't count. People can see that a lapstrake hull is dryer (but not much, really) and they can see that it's stiffer- again, not much. A lapstrake hull is a bit heavier but weight in a hull doesn't really slow the boat down enough to matter even to me. There is a cost factor, partly because of taking longer to lay up, a little more material, and because it takes a bit better molder, but not much, and really, the deck has more man hours in it than a hull so cost is a small factor. I don;'t believe there is a performance factor of any import. Maybe I'm saying too much; and the simple question is: which would sell best to the average buyer?
I'm thinking the interior would be a roomier version of the 15, with a little more storage, and more comfortable sitting headroom. Also, the 15 cockpit is about 5.5' long, and when i'd take a 15 cruising I'd cleat the drop hatches to bridge the cockpit benches and sleep at a diagonal. This worked fine for me but would not work for most couples, especially if they fight a lot. The 17 cockpit, being over 6', was much better for sleeping in the cockpit. Here's the question : where would you like to see the extra foot of length- in the cockpit or the interior, or what combination of both?
Any other comments would be welcome. My ex-wife used to call me a know-it-all but we all know I'm not! I think these subjects would be good for the list, but if you don't like speaking to a crowd feel free to email me directly at jerry@jerrymontgomery.org.
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