Hi Tyler, I have owned an M17 for a number of years. My first one back in 1983. They are easy to trail and rig but I found I would use it much more if I splurged and rented a slip at a marina, duh. They have a very good load capacity for their size. I have had as many as four adults at a time on my boat with no loss of performance. As far as use, the best boat for you is the one that you will use the most which means often how easy it is to rig and launch. The 15 is a better bet there. I did have my routine down to about 20 minutes from arrival to splash by myself with my 17. You would be wise to stretch out in a 15 before you get one. Or decide that isn't as important as you thought. I am only 6' but had plenty of room to stretch out in the 17. I found that adding a port in the cockpit wall helped with fresh air and light in the quarter berth which is quite narrow as you can imagine. Good luck. What could be more fun than shopping for a new sail boat? Tom On Thu, Sep 5, 2013 at 10:43 AM, Tyler Backman <casioqv@usermail.com> wrote:
Thanks Larry,
I am looking for a used one but I see they're very hard to find, so I will take Bob up on his offer to visit the factory and consider saving up for a new one.
I'll take a look at the 17 but I'm pretty set on the 15. The small size and extreme simplicity really appeals to me.... I want something much lighter and smaller than my old Catalina 22, which was hard to trailer with my '84 Volvo and took too long to rig for daysailing.
I am considering as an "exercise" in extreme simplicity that I may try setting up a Montgomery 15 for cruising with no electrical system, or motor (but w/ battery powered LED lights & oars).
Tyler
On Sep 5, 2013, at 7:51 AM, Hughston, Larry@DGS wrote:
Tyler, I did not see in your email if you are buying new or used. If getting used I would guess that someone of your height would be sailing a Monty 17 which is still uncomplicated to rig alone. I have the Monty 15 and it is easy to use sailing alone but I am 5'9". The 17 however is said to sail like a much larger sailboat. With your experience the Bay is not too big for a Monty 17 driven by someone with your experience......Just my 2 cents. This is a great forum and you will find all types information on the Montgomery. Don't forget, the new Montgomery Sage is being made now also.
Fair Winds Tyler, ---- Larry in Sacramento.