No argument on the trip. Lots of us my want to go and go out with you. But I'd think twice and maybe 3 or 4 times on the sloop to lug conversion on an M17. Boat value and sail handling issues aside, for this to be a working boat when you are done, the rig has to balance with the CE of the boat. Unless you really know what you are doing, you better consult with a boat designer or you may not have anything that will work when you are done. Even with existing rigs, performance is fine tuned into the boat with mast rake and rig tension???? Trying to duplicate that degree of balance with a lug is going to be a big, big job. It might mean inches or it might mean a foot...and that's before you consider rake, if any. And then you have to balance your particular lug sail to get it hanging right. Again....this is a big job. And so far, we haven't even talked about re-inforcing the cabin top for fore and aft and side to side loads the mast will place on the cabin. Free standing rigs are re-inforced to the max....with bulkheads, deck beams, mast partners, etc. Your existing cabin top is relatively flimsy by comparison. I'd also look for an outboard with electric start. Are you going to leave the motor hanging on the transom while traveling? That is a lot of weight to have bouncing around. Best to get that supported somehow. All things considered, you may want to consider a different but existing boat with lug sail, or explore some sail handling options for the existing rig....such as gin poles and an electric winch mounted on the trailer to help you raise and lower the mast...and maybe even electric winches to help you hoist the main and maybe a roller furling jib. My advice......(which if you add 89 cents plus tax, will get you a cup of coffee at McDonalds....less with the senior citizen discount). On 12/15/05 6:52 PM, "Grove777@aol.com" <Grove777@aol.com> wrote:

thanks for the input yes the tabernacle will go thru the cabin top and be mounted on the base of the cabin floor fiberglassed in place appreciate the tip on using a high torque drill met some one doing the same thing to start their outboard i plan to modify my outboard so that i can use a drill to start it i failed to say that i want to do a travel as much as possible the next 3-5 years i have an older dodge diesal[cummins]truck w/ a popup camper mounted in the bed of the truck and will be towing the m17...i just prefer the balaced lug, free standing mast in a tabernacle for simplicity and ease of utilizing same thanks for the comments hope for more g _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats