Tim, If you like the early model transom/boat - run with what you like. I decided years ago after having experience with all but the current builder models that I wanted an early boat for some of the same reasons people decide against the early boat. My motor is a 25" long shaft - I have mounted it on the cut-out and it currently resides on a fixed mount - I have no problems 'dragging' the motor. (fixed mount is because my motor does not have reverse gear and I need to rotate it - a point to consider). A dry sailed 17 that is reasonably cared for, will serve a long time without ballast or board issues (mine is 1980 build) no board/ballast issues have surfaced to date on my boat. I happen to appreciate and desire the early cockpit, and for cabin space differences - if any - I have no issues as my expectations are tempered. This is a SMALL boat and I don't sit below - naps are big on my list. Early boat also has aluminum toe rail, alum. framed windows (I changed the glazing out to tempered/tinted auto glass- gasket material is available). Ask a late model owner if they wish they had alum. toe rail instead of teak to maintain. The transom/deck joint MAY be an issue but the late boats do not have a 'rub-rail' other than the fiberglass deck flange. The transom joint is not hard to repair when and if necessary. As to cockpit lockers - my opinion is 'if you got'em you fill 'em' - My early model has more than enough room for needed equipment. Traveling light is a good thing in a small boat. Both models are in the end M-17's. I happen to like and specifically sought out the early model.They will both sail well and should have similar values if they are well cared for examples. There is not a lot of difference such as disk brakes/ABS/air bags like you would find in automobiles of differing ages. Enough for my rant in defense of the 'Old Boat' - my opinion only - BTW ever hear a Renault owner say the car was a POS? Not likely. We all believe in what we have at the moment - makes us happy. My 2 cents and worth both of 'em. GO. LB/GF! M-17 # 316a 'that ain't bad gelcoat -it's "patina"! Team Geezer Racing.....Old and in the Way Team Geezer Cruising.....going NIP ...but FAST! In a message dated 4/7/2010 7:17:55 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time, seagray@embarqmail.com writes: For what it's worth I like the motor mount off the transom. It is spring loaded so it's very easy to lift the motor up to let the prop clear the water. I suppose there is some difference in weight distribution with the motor hanging that additional distance off the transom. Joe ----- Original Message ----- From: Bill Wickett To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats Sent: Wednesday, April 07, 2010 9:43 AM Subject: Re: M_Boats: M17 year model differences Full transom with adjustable motor mount allows the motor to be lifted up higher if necessary, so a bit more flexibility. That being said, there are many, many older models still sailing (and motoring). They are all great boats. Get one :) Bill Wickett M17 On Wed, Apr 7, 2010 at 8:51 AM, Timothy Erwin <sailtim@yahoo.com> wrote:

I have been looking on the net all over for Montgomery 17's .I notice that some models have a cut out in the transom for an outboard in the transom. Other models have a motor mount on the transom. The cut out for the motor looks to make the most sense to me. I assume that the difference is the year model. If so, what year models have the outboard cut out in the transom?

Thanks, Tim Erwin

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