Hi all - I have been talking to Harry at EP also. Trying to determine the best sails for me (and the 23') to start with and with an eye on Mexico in October. I think I may get a 85% also. Harry had some good insight that may be helpful to others..... "Personally I think that if you are not racing there is a lot to be said for having a sail somewhat smaller than a 150%. I like the idea of using something like a 140% because it still has enough overlap to keep your full pointing ability, it is an easier sail to handle because it is smaller, and it up the wind range where you need to shift to a smaller sail. It will give slightly less performance in under 7 or 8 knots of wind, but that difference is very small. However even with a small #1 sail, 135% or 140%, you still need a small jib for heavy air sailing. If you were hard core racing then yes, there is gap in the middle that could gain you a little bit in some conditions. However if you go with the 140% which would be a weight heavier you can use that sail with a reef in the main and it will take you up into the high teens. At that point you can go to the small jib and a full main and sail the boat very comfortably and efficiently." Additional opinions & thoughts welcomed! Todd Bradley M-23 #86 -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of David Grah Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2014 5:23 PM To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Subject: M_Boats: Fw: Small Jibs for Montgomery 15 Thanks for the replies and input on the best size of a small jib. I didn't hear anything that suggests to go against Harry's advice so will get the 85% jib. I believe it will best balance a main with two reefs in. I'll report how I like it after I have the chance to use it a time or two. David Grah ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: David Grah <d_b_grah@yahoo.com> To: "montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Friday, February 21, 2014 5:48 PM Subject: Small Jibs for Montgomery 15 I am interested in the groups thoughts on small jibs for my Montgomery 15. I have always been a little slow to reef. For instance, I was out with one of my brothers and one of his kids in the Montgomery 15 out of the Berkeley Marina in the San Francisco Bay in some typical summer wind. The wind was comfortable without reefs or a small(er) headsail with my 200 pound or so brother helping me hold the boat down. I did notice once we were out that every single other boat around, most in the 30's of feet long, were all reefed. I have never had the option of a smaller jib on this boat. Doing it again, I probably still wouldn't have reefed that day with the ballast I had along. Still, reducing sail area is something I should be able to do, especially as I start to venture off shore a bit more and further away from harbors. My main has a single reef, which I have only used once. I am planning a trip to the Sea of Cortez this October. Jerry Montgomery mentioned the idea here and I liked it so am planning to go. Any body of water has stories of how strong it can blow there, and the Sea of Cortez is not exception. Because I would like to be able to venture out a ways while there and be able to get around if the wind does pick up, I figure I should get a smaller jib and a second reef put in my main for those windy times. My sails are Elliot Pattison and I have been very happy with them. The jib is a standard one. I asked Elliot Pattison for a price for a storm jib and he wondered if an 85% jib might make more sense. He said the storm jib is probably best for heaving to in over 25 to 30 knots of wind, as opposed to sailing which the 85% would be better for. I do like strong wind and the ability to sail in it, plus it seems prudent to be able to continue to function as the wind climbs uncomfortably. I haven't heard of Montgomery 15's with more than 2 reef points so assume that 2 is a reasonable maximum. In addition to wondering what size jib would allow me to progress in as strong winds as it is reasonable to make progress in a Montgomery 15, I wonder what size jib would best match a typical Montgomery 15 main with two reefs in it. What are the group's thoughts? Thanks so much in advance. David Grah Bishop California Montgomery 15 - Sky