Craig, Here's another data point for you research:
Since I got my M15 in '98, I've used a RAV4 5-speed for towing and launching. It now has 95k miles and the original clutch. I have been driving mostly manual transmission cars for 40+ years. I often use the hand brake when retrieving, but almost never use it otherwise. Bill Riker M15 - #184 Storm Petrel -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Honshells Sent: Sunday, May 02, 2004 10:28 AM To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats Subject: M_Boats: trailering with a clutch I've polled the list on this before, but if you'll permit, I'd like to do it again: Since I lost my beloved Mazda B4000 (4.0L 6-cyl., extended-cab, identical to the Ford Ranger) 4X2 automatic, I've been looking for a very inexpensive auxiliary towing vehicle. I think I may have found it, the price is right, it has a 6-cyl. engine, low miles, but here's the rub: It has a 5-speed manual transmission. I "dry sail" an M17 . . . By "dry sail", I mean that I leave her on her trailer, mast-up, near a boat-ramp most of the summer, and launch and retrieve her each time I sail. I know some listers feel pretty strongly that getting off a boat-ramp with a clutch is too difficult, and in some circumstances, nearly impossible. I was wondering if I could hear from those of you who tow, launch and retrieve their M17's with manual-transmission tow vehicles. I'm a little concerned about general trailering, too, because my experience with manual transmissions has been with rice-burner econo-sedans and a roadster, and I never really learned to down-shift. Thanks! _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats
