I bought my '84 M17 sight unseen in 2000 . . . I had her surveyed, which was a waste of money, but otherwise had never been aboard a Montgomery . . . Well, maybe "sight unseen" is not exactly right, because I did see the boat before turning a cashier's check over to the former owner. But once I'd driven over 800 miles to see her, it was pretty well decided I'd go home with her. However, I never sailed her until she was home. I had studied all the photos I could find and read everything on the MSOG site about the M17, and she was exactly what the MSOG contributors had described. No regrets whatsoever, and I'm one of those neurotics who has buyer's remorse over practically everything. ----- Original Message ----- From: Cindy Chris To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Sent: Saturday, December 18, 2004 8:44 AM Subject: Buying Sight Unseen I'm about to purchase a new Montgomery 15 - what propels me to this purchase is your enthusiasm for the Montgomery boats. But I have never even seen this boat in person. My question for you folks is: Have any of you put down your money to purchase a boat that you have never sailed, let alone, seen? Should I? My history is that I have been researching and looking for used Potters for about a year and came across your group and I have been following your writings for months. The upshot of it is that you have convinced me to get me a M15, but it remains a boat that I have never touched, sat in, launched or sailed, or even seen it sailed. The factory is 3,000 miles away from our home in SC, so going there for a first-hand look-see is not a viable option. I'm fortunate that I have a wife who supports my getting into sailing, but she does raise the question if I am of sound mind ordering something sight unseen. What do you think? Chris

Chris, I had never seen an M-boat in person either. I flew to Houston in very early March 1998 with frequent flyer miles, got a weekend deal on 2 nights in a Hyatt and good rate on car rental. With meals and incidentals, I don't think it cost over $250. Was it worth it? Yes and no. It gave me assurance that the 1982 boat was in good condition and the opportunity to spend Saturday morning reviewing rigging and boat history with the original owner. He bought the boat new at the Houston Boat Show. I was happy to learn she had always been stored in a carport and not kept in the water. I gave him a check for the boat, and scheduled the delivery trip for Memorial Day weekend. I had to buy a tow vehicle in the meantime and came up with a RAV4, which has worked out very well. A Saturday afternoon drive to Galveston Island and exploration of the coastal area was interesting and informative. I flew back Sunday morning. But for a while I kicked myself for spending the money, miles and weekend.

From talking to the owner, I knew the boat would be in good condition; there were no surprises.

So, my advice is: if you need to satisfy yourself and/or your wife, take the trip. Visiting the factory should be an informative and educational beyond just seeing the boat. But the boat will be what it is, whether or not you see it first. Several current owners bought their M-boats sight unseen, and I don't remember hearing from any who regretted it. I don't know of any M-15's in your area, but there are a couple of 17's not far away. -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces+wriker=mindspring.com@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces+wriker=mindspring.com@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Cindy Chris Sent: Saturday, December 18, 2004 8:45 AM To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Subject: M_Boats: Buying Sight Unseen I'm about to purchase a new Montgomery 15 - what propels me to this purchase is your enthusiasm for the Montgomery boats. But I have never even seen this boat in person. My question for you folks is: Have any of you put down your money to purchase a boat that you have never sailed, let alone, seen? Should I? My history is that I have been researching and looking for used Potters for about a year and came across your group and I have been following your writings for months. The upshot of it is that you have convinced me to get me a M15, but it remains a boat that I have never touched, sat in, launched or sailed, or even seen it sailed. The factory is 3,000 miles away from our home in SC, so going there for a first-hand look-see is not a viable option. I'm fortunate that I have a wife who supports my getting into sailing, but she does raise the question if I am of sound mind ordering something sight unseen. What do you think? Chris __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats

Hi Chris, I am in a similar, but more northerly (New Hampshire), situation as you. Your inquiry about buying an M15 could have been written by me!! The responses were interesting too. I too have been following these correspondences for several months. I have also "read up" on Potters and Compacs and others. I feel hooked on Montgomerys, but there aren't many in this neck of the woods... at least I don't think so. I've never seen one or sailed one but everyone is so enthusiastic! I'm in a quandary. So, I'm interested to know if you have come to a decision. Reply offlist if you wish to enichols@cheshire.net Happy new year! Ernie Nichols, Keene, NH ----- Original Message ----- From: "Cindy Chris" <cnc571994@yahoo.com> To: <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Saturday, December 18, 2004 8:44 AM Subject: M_Boats: Buying Sight Unseen

I'm about to purchase a new Montgomery 15 - what propels me to this purchase is your enthusiasm for the Montgomery boats. But I have never even seen this boat in person. My question for you folks is: Have any of you put down your money to purchase a boat that you have never sailed, let alone, seen? Should I? My history is that I have been researching and looking for used Potters for about a year and came across your group and I have been following your writings for months. The upshot of it is that you have convinced me to get me a M15, but it remains a boat that I have never touched, sat in, launched or sailed, or even seen it sailed. The factory is 3,000 miles away from our home in SC, so going there for a first-hand look-see is not a viable option. I'm fortunate that I have a wife who supports my getting into sailing, but she does raise the question if I am of sound mind ordering something sight unseen.

What do you think? Chris

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