Bones,
The only reason I say bigger is not better, is because I've been there
and done that.
However, all this is a function of many variables: size of family; what
you want to really use the boat for - day sailing; overnighting ; longer
periods of cruising; what you are willing to live with for
trailerability. This determines whether or not you need an M15 or an M17
Our 29 footer was an ideal boat for four; and we spent many happy
summers sailing her, but traileralble - no way.
Now I am at the other end of the size scale. A Jetta wagon for a tow
vehicle, and an M15 as the playtime sailboat. No marina charges; no
launch or hauling charges; no mast storage charges.
The M15 lives next to the garage. I can work on it easily. If I need a
drill or a screwdriver, it is a short trip down into the cellar to get
what I need. Parts are small and light - a one person operation.
The cockpit is long enough for the Admirable to stretch out and enjoy a
snooze while I'm on a beam reach across Lake Champlain, dreaming of
foreign lands that appear over the horizon (Vermont!).
In short, I've optimized my sailing experiences: same fun; same
adventures; at almost 0 cost. The M15 allows me to go to cruising
grounds where I would have had to spend a week's vacation just getting
there. Now it is a few hours up or down the Interstate cruising, hard
on the wind at 65 to 70 MPH! Vacation time is spent sailing, not in
getting to the new cruising grounds!
The pleasure is the same: only the costs for the pleasure have gone from
$3K per season ('92 prices) to almost $0.
I also no longer have to maintain an engine and it's cooling system; a
toilet and holding tank system; the fresh water system, galley stove and
the refrigerator system; dinghies; and all the ancillary equipment that
goes with a bigger boat.
Nor is it like moving a three room apartment, when you have to empty the
boat at the end of the sailing season.
The M15 is small, light weight; low on equipment requirements for it's
operation, and my 2 HP Honda is a great little auxillary power unit. It
is an ideal compromise and a great return on investment, for the
pleasure it provides.
If you need new equipment or new "toys" for the boat, again, we are
talking in small sums. A friend of mine bases the cost of his toys on
the price of martinis. If his latest toy cost $10; it was a two Martini
toy.
The M15 is similar. I have yet to exceed the 6 Martini limit on new
gadgets, gilhickies, or dodads, needed to decorate and further enhance an
M15, but my bent mast will alter that equation. But even there, the cost
of a new mast will not break the bank.
M sailing is pure unadultrated fun..........
Connie
_______________________________________________
http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats
