The Sea Pearl will sail well in very rough conditions, however if pushed hard enough it will swamp before it turns turtle. I always had a large canoe air bag under the rear cockpit, but never had occasion to swamp her to see how it would work out. Factory floatation seems to be minimal. If the cover is on the front cockpit, she will roll back upright. The aft cockpit is self draining. The Pearl is best for the skinny water and moderate winds. The water ballast seems to work well. The boat is much more stable with full tanks and makes better headway in chop with full tanks. It won't point as high as an M boat, I'm sure. With empty tanks she will scoot along with the lightest of winds. The trimaran version has a slightly larger convertible cabin, but is still rather tiny. Smitty Del Rio, TX (stillwithoutanMboatdepartment) ----- Original Message ----- From: "MC Carpenter" <southisland2@earthlink.net> To: "For and about Montgomery Sailboats" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Thursday, November 04, 2004 10:55 AM Subject: Re: M_Boats: RE: Downsizing
I think some of those small boats have water ballast. they may be light to transport but how about the righting moment, or basic stability with out a heavy keel. So I wonder how good they would be in choppy waters of San Francisco Bay like around Angel Island. I have never heard of a water ballast sailboat self rescuing
----- Original Message ----- From: "Doug Kelch" <doug_kelch@yahoo.com> To: "For and about Montgomery Sailboats" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Thursday, November 04, 2004 9:59 AM Subject: Re: M_Boats: RE: Downsizing
Mike,
I am an M15 owner and love. I can raise the mast 1 handed with no mechanical advantage at all. I am 5' 8".
I have a video of Howard Audsley raising and lowering the mast on his M17 using a line from the winch to the forestay - one hand on the line and one hand on the mast. I could make a copy if you are interested.
I have been on a couple of cruises with the Shallow water sailors. They predominantly sail in protected waters with Dovkies, Bay Hen, Peep Hens, and several Bolger boats.
In 1 reef conditions (18 kts with gusts to 20+, protected water with no waves) the M15 towing a 15 ft light dory was faster than the Peep Hen. However I think the Peep Hen is a wonderful boat for it's design purpose which is a beachable protected water cruising boat.
The Peep Hen sails pretty well for a high freeboard 14 ft boat and has more cabin space than the M15.
Thanks
Doug Kelch "Seas the Day" --- LUDLOWD2@aol.com wrote:
Mike If your going to sail SF bay, you need something more seaworthy than a sea pearl or peep hen. Those are warm clime beach boats (sea pearl was on my short list until i needed a cabin and portapotti (new wife). dont regret going with the M-15. As John said, a little organization and she will be the easiest boat ever to rig and launch (my 2 HP honda rides on the boat). She will take the steep chop and high winds. Re the cat boat, IMHO the sloop rig of the M-15 is better pointing into the wind. Why is my destination always upwind no matter what? My suggestion, buy a new M-15. Good Luck Don M-15 Sweet Dream _______________________________________________
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