Well, Irv, to be honest, I'd have to say Precision DID do a more careful job w/ regards to level of finish, but that's the ONLY place where they have my Montgomery beat and if you are like me, that only lasts until you sail it for the first time (thinking back to the time I "dropped the mast"). It's been a while since I've seen Clarence's boat but I'm not sure that holds true with Bob's boats. I think he's fitting them out to more of a yacht finish than Jerry did, what with the upholstered settee backs, etc. (is that an option?) And how about that optional teak and holly sole? I think it is due in no small part to general changes in consumer expectation for finish level rather than any commentary on Jerry's work. Look at the changes in cars in the last 20-30 years; auto, air, tilt, cruise, electric this electric that. I personally like the Spartan interior and, if you recall, I suggested to Bob to keep the interior of the new 23 on a par with Busca's but of course we all know that my plea went unheeded and instead it is a finely fitted yacht. (of course, the only 23 was much also much more polished than the 17). "A good boat is more than just a pretty finish." Tod (totally devoid of any fit or finish himself) -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces+htmills=bright.net@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces+htmills=bright.net@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Irvin H. Kooris Sent: Monday, June 21, 2004 6:41 PM To: 'For and about Montgomery Sailboats' Subject: RE: M_Boats: (no subject) Tod You are not implying that your M17 does not have a smooth finish? Irv -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces+kooris=rcn.com@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces+kooris=rcn.com@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of htmills@bright.net Sent: Monday, June 21, 2004 7:37 PM To: 'For and about Montgomery Sailboats' Subject: RE: M_Boats: (no subject) Jeff, Clarence's 17 + 6-10 would be just the thing! Nothing better than a little dinghy for kids (if they are too young, just blink a few times). I haven't sailed a Precision 18, but have seen them at several shows and my impressions of the boat match up with what has already been said. The one thing that does impress me about them is the care that someone went to to obtain a fair (smooth, no ripples in the finish) hull, A+ there. However, that alone was not enough to offset what I perceived as demerits. Maria has a good point about the kick up rudder if routinely sailing thin water, although a 17 could (and has) been fitted with one too. As Doug says: if it gets you on the water... Tod M17 #408 -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces+htmills=bright.net@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces+htmills=bright.net@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Jeff Flancer Sent: Friday, June 11, 2004 9:29 AM To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Subject: M_Boats: (no subject) Hi all, My name is Jeff. I am looking at buying a new or used M-17. I used to have a 1982 M-15. Good boat, no doubt, but I need something a little bigger (for 2 young boys & wife) so they can enjoy, and newer, so I can enjoy(and not maintan too much). I am also considering a Precision 18 and wonder if there is any "unbiased" (wrong group I know) opinions on either boat. I live in Phoenix, AZ, and was a subscriber to this group in the past. Happy days to you all. Jeff Flancer _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats