Steve, I also installed a Bomar hatch between the shallow locker and the transom, in my case to install a tiller extension lock box. I use the space as a sail locker, basically so not to add too much weight in the stern and it's a great addition. You mentioned in two posts that you want to sit as far forward as possible. Well, you might be interested in the remote steering system that Doug Kelch introduced to me on the Maine Cruise last year. Previously I built a nifty tiller extension that allows me to sit all the way forward in the cockpit. I now consider the extension useless in light of the remote steering system. It's basically a line running around the perimeter of the boat that attaches to the tiller, by which one can steer from any position on the boat. I once did a jib sail change while steering from the foredeck in a blow that was overpowering the headsail. But the best feature of this system is that one can sit in the companionway or stand in the cabin and operate the boat. Your weight is forward, all sheets are right there, you are protected, being mostly in the cabin and you are facing forward, which I find far superior to looking over my shoulder as one does in the normal tiller position. Also, you don't have to change course to see what's behind the jib, just grab it and pull to get a look behind it. It the singlehandler's dream come true. Rick Langer M15 #337 Bluebird p.s. A stern pulpit must add twenty pounds or so to the stern.

Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2006 05:32:11 -0700 (PDT) From: "Steve R." <stever707@MAIL.SAABNET.COM> Subject: M_Boats: re: Stern pulpet and safety gear To: <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Message-ID: <20060405053211.51FD4EED@resin07.mta.everyone.net> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"

Ron,

A M-15 hull does not plane like a water skier. It is a displacement hull, which has a speed limit due to the laws of physics. A larger motor will not cause the boat to go faster. I guess I have the throttle open 60% on my 2hp Honda when my speed tops out.

Also, a larger motor will put more weight on the transom. The bow will float higher, the stern lower. The center of lateral resistance of the hull will move aft. This can cause lee helm. It will also slow the boat. You may want to read up on lee helm and weather helm in a sailing book, or take a look here:

http://www.sailingusa.info/sailboat_balance.htm

As I mentioned in my other post, I sit as far forward in the cockpit as possible to balance the boat, and use a tiller extension.

...

From time to time you will find large motors on sail boats. I know of a father who purchased his daughter a 15 hp outboard for her 12 foot sailboat. The boat has been sailed only one time.

steve

Steve R. M-15 #119 Lexington, KY