>The only advantage I can think of is easier to trailer and
launch
I've
sometimes wondered how much of a task it is to launch/rig/recover a 17. I've
never timed myself, but suspect that it's around 30 minutes from starting to rig
my 15 until I'm ready to sail away. The hardest part of that is heaving the
engine around (which would be much easier if I remembered to use the 2HP Honda
instead of the 5). I wonder, too, whether the 15 needs less water to launch -- I
often find myself on pretty marginal ramps even with the trailer tongue
extender.
On the
other hand, it must be really nice to have the extra room in the 17. I think of
the M-15 as being backpacking on the water, but a whole lot more luxurious than
kayak camping.
Giles
Morris