I agree that the lapstrake would be best. It really is a "trademark" of Montgomery boats, It does offer some advantages and a "touch of class". The only downside being higher costs that I believe Montgomery owners would unerstand. With recent discussion on water inside the boat. I agree with the earlier poster that the cockpit sole could be above the waterline, with straight scuppers to the stern. I have this arrangement on my current boat and it works well. Buckets of water are drained in seconds. No valves or gates. The downside is a higher boom or dodging. I like the idea of taking advantage of the current innovative wave in using electric power. Perhaps a hybrid arrangement? Batteries as part of the ballast? Water ballasts were mentioned. Two small tanks on either side of the keel. Filled and pumped like Eric Taberly's design (Pen Duick V, I believe). Used for long windward tacks filled on the windward side, emptied on long runs. Well, I guess that might be a bit much for a 16' boat? But partial water ballast does offer the advantage of lighter trailer weight. Interior sitting headroom is nice. Small clear domes in the right places? A simple easy to set up boom tent that's designed into the boat? Good cabin and tent ventilation. Can you create a foot-well to make the cockpit bench longer or have the cabin assymetrical? I think all small craft sailors are single-handers whether alone of not. The design could have this in mind. sal In a message dated 5/13/2009 1:26:04 P.M. Mountain Daylight Time, jerry@jerrymontgomery.org writes: Something more pleasant! I've been in a dialog with a builder to design a "Montgomery style" boat; probably 16', and I'd like to ask you for some opinions and comments. Lapstrake: How do you think the average buyer, looking for a boat in this size range, would look at a lapstrake hull as opposed to a smooth hull? You and I are probably prejudiced so we don't count. People can see that a lapstrake hull is dryer (but not much, really) and they can see that it's stiffer- again, not much. A lapstrake hull is a bit heavier but weight in a hull doesn't really slow the boat down enough to matter even to me. There is a cost factor, partly because of taking longer to lay up, a little more material, and because it takes a bit better molder, but not much, and really, the deck has more man hours in it than a hull so cost is a small factor. I don;'t believe there is a performance factor of any import. Maybe I'm saying too much; and the simple question is: which would sell best to the average buyer? I'm thinking the interior would be a roomier version of the 15, with a little more storage, and more comfortable sitting headroom. Also, the 15 cockpit is about 5.5' long, and when i'd take a 15 cruising I'd cleat the drop hatches to bridge the cockpit benches and sleep at a diagonal. This worked fine for me but would not work for most couples, especially if they fight a lot. The 17 cockpit, being over 6', was much better for sleeping in the cockpit. Here's the question : where would you like to see the extra foot of length- in the cockpit or the interior, or what combination of both? Any other comments would be welcome. My ex-wife used to call me a know-it-all but we all know I'm not! I think these subjects would be good for the list, but if you don't like speaking to a crowd feel free to email me directly at jerry@jerrymontgomery.org. jerry _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats Remember, there is no privacy on the Internet! **************An Excellent Credit Score is 750. See Yours in Just 2 Easy Steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1221823239x1201398650/aol?redir=http... Excfooter51509NO62)