Hi George, You have a good nose for boats.
For many, many years I was a big boat sailor (29' Tripp-Lentsch), but then I came to the conclusion that the home waters were no fun any more: too crowded; no peace and quiet; harbor launches rolling you out of your berth till 1 AM; so we decided to go small, trailerable, and where the big boys can't go. The first boat was a Bolger MICRO, a great boat; - however, stepping a free standing 26 foot spruce mast became more than I could handle (at 78 years of age), so: the MICRO size was right (15'); it was easy to trailer, launch, and retrieve, but now I looked for something with an aluminum mast and shrouds - about the same size. I found a ComPac 16 that needed a lot of TLC. Fixed it up, and sailed it for a few years. But, ................ The ComPac 16 has lousy storage: everything gets pushed back on the berths that extend under the cockpit seats. There are no sail lockers in the cockpit, so anytime you want anything: anchor, fenders, mooring lines, etc, it's dig them out from the berths................. No way to operate a sailboat. Then the ComPac 16 with it's stub keel makes a great deal of leeway when hard on the wind............ That's when I discovered the Montgomery 15, and after all the good words about the boat I heard from the owners via the web site, I bought one sight-unseen in Panama City, FL. All I can say is, it's a great boat for it's size. Lots of good useable storage space - sail lockers in the cockpit, plus inside storage under the berths; No mast support post in the middle of the boat (as in the ComPac). Space for a Portapotti; plus additional storage space under the cockpit sole, that is easily accessible, and in constant use (galley box in an 18" tool box; tools; nav. gear.) It's a sailor's boat, and I thoroughly enjoy sailing it every time I'm out on the water. I find the M15 more than meets my needs, (two adults + grandchildren maybe once a year for day sailing) but the choice M15 - M17 is a function of your age; how many people go sailing; where do you go sailing; and what kind of a vehicle do you have for towing. I tow the M15 with a VW VR6 Jetta wagon; and towed the previous boats: the MICRO and ComPac with a VW VR6 GTI, and a normal 115 HP GOLF. That becomes a factor in the equation: bigger boat that needs a bigger tow vehicle? Ask questions as you refine your choice. We're more than willing to assist with answers and comments. Connie M15 #400 LEPPO ComPac 16 MICRO Northeast 38 Tripp-Lentsch 29 _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats
