In a message dated 3/17/05 6:00:27 PM, montgomery_boats-request@mailman.xmission.com writes:

am very interested in the Montgomery 15. I have been sailing on San Francisco Bay for many years (my most recent boat was a Petersen 44). I want to find about owners' evaluations of the Montgomery 15, particularly its performance in the high winds of SF Bay. I live in Berkeley and would greatly appreciate hearing from you. Coirdially, Ian Arion

Ian, Thought I would chime in here regarding the suitability of the M15 to SF Bay. I have an M15, and have sailed the SF bay frequently (more on Bert Felton's old M15 than mine, as he dry-sailed his out of Alameda). I also 'came down' from much larger boats, so I might be able to speak to that adjustment. First, let me say that a properly equipped M15 can handle most of what the bay can dish out. We (Bert and I) have been out in 30-35 with gusts to 40, and with the usual sloppy, steep chop that accompanies an ebb running counter to the wind between Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. Properly equipped in this case includes two reefs, a storm jib, and some stern resolve. A stern rail and lifelines would certainly be a plus. These would not be the conditions for a neophyte sailor, but that said, the M15 is a remarkably seaworthy boat for its size and displacement, and handled properly, can be relatively safe, very fast, and quite exhilarating. It is also an amazingly dry boat on account of the lapstrake hull form (this really works!). I have been asked several times to describe the M15's handling and general feel. It defies easy description. At times the boat feels like a very solid keelboat. At other times it feels like a large sailing dinghy. Most of the time it feels like some combination of the two--which is to say that it combines a modicum of stability and comfort with some of that live/twitchy motion that is typical of live-ballasted dinghies. Sail trim and balance are important. Several on this list have encountered knockdowns, or near knockdowns either while overcanvassed, or during a sudden gust. I don't always tend to sail mine right to the edge as I might a larger boat, or at least not when I lack experienced crew or am singlehanding. I reef early if there is any question. When the wind is up/gusty, I often want the mainsheet in hand--much as I would in a dinghy. It is not (at least not in typical bay conditions) the kind of boat where you set an autopilot and read a book. Crew weight is definitely a factor, and you need to be constantly alert. Off the wind, things settle down substantially. One of the rewards of this boat's light displacement and flat underbody is that she will plane/semi-plane, and she is responsive to small trim adjustments. I bought mine with the intention of using her as a micro-cruiser more than a day sailor. We have done several longer trips (primarily Pacific Northwest), and found her perfect as long as we adjusted our expectations to the 'backpacking-on-water' model. Our success in this capacity is directly relative to the good weather we have been fortunate to experience. I would not relish a long, continuous trip in rainy weather, as the M15 does not offer much in the way of seating options below (on the head with the hatch open is about it). My decision to pursue an M15 rather than an M17 was solely based on two criteria, namely my garage capacity and my then 4-cylinder pickup. I don't have any regrets, but I have also since purchased a second boat (Flicka)--in large measure because I was looking to do longer trips in increased comfort, occasionally in the company of friends. The M15 is very capable, but it is certainly intimate. I think that if my primary goal was to downsize, and my primary sailing area was to be SF Bay, I would lean toward the M17 rather than M15. I don't have a lot of experience with the M17, but my observations in sailing with them (side-by-side), and my comparison to their interior accommodations suggest that they might be more appropriate--especially if you are used to a larger boat. I think the difference in displacement (the 17 is exactly twice that of the 15) will be noticeable in the heavy air conditions of the bay, and I would guess the motion would be a bit more predictable and less lively. I would definitely favor the M17 if sailing with more than two people is a priority, or if your crew is easily frightened by what can be a 'live' motion. In any event, I would try to get a ride on both prior to deciding. I know there are at least two M17's out of Alameda--one sailed out of Grand Marina, and another dry-sailed out of Alameda Marina. There are several M15's that frequent the bay. I can say with some confidence that either boat is at the top of their respective class. I don't see many (if any) other boats of their size out on the bay when the wind comes up! The construction is first-rate, and I am inclined to think that they can generally take more than the crew. Best wishes on your quest! Scott