After all, it is a fifteen foot boat...
I have sailed a couple of times in the M-15. You are absolutely right, in
that it is easily transportable. So easy in fact I nearly bought one so I could
keep my Honda and not buy a larger less fuel efficient vehicle. However... I
bought the M-17.
When I sailed the M-15 there was only two of us. There would have been room
for a couple more people, and the boat will surely love to carry the extra
weight. Problem being, where would you "comfortably" put the extra people?... I
bought the M-17.
I used to own a Potter 15. Okay boat, has a compression post right in the
middle of the cabin, not to mention the centerboard trunk. The M-15 has a very
large and open cabin with no post. One person (two kids) can easily hang out in
the cabin. However, that's not to much of a social cruise... I bought the M-17
After pondering the alternative, my needs and requirements... I saved up the
extra needed, got the "two foot itus" bug and went with the M-17. Like the
M-15, she has a very nice cabin, roomy cockpit, definitely strong and overbuilt
and my most prized attribute, she is very seaworthy.
In my opinion, when you look at the other craft out there, the M boats are on
top. They cost a little more (unless you get lucky) than the competition
(opposition)... However, the extra will be worth it when it comes to the security
and safety you'll enjoy should you get into a good blow. And there's the
resale value. You'll find the used boats in good condition to be a tad expensive.
But, don't forget ... your boat will be a tad expensive when it comes time for
resale. Unless you pass it on to the kids (lots of M Boat owners do).
There you go... I'm pretty sure someone else can add volumes to my perception
of the M-15 as I haven't owned one. I do love the way they sail, the way they
look, the compliments and questions at the dock, the space in the cabin, the
durability and seaworthy construction. I just got caught up in the size thing.
For me, I hate spending money on gas for an inefficient (in comparison) tow
vehicle. However, when we go sailing the wind is free and with the extra size
my options aren't as limited.
Good luck in your boat search... BTW, if you sign your post we can be a
little more polite and direct the answer to you. This owners group is one of the
best I've ever been privileged to join, nice folks - very friendly.
Bill - San Francisco Bay
M-17 #496 "Tiperary"
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