Hi Herb, More comments to your questions:
The M15 because of it's size, is a bit tender; i.e., it doesn't have the weight of a larger keel boat so when you get on board it will move about a bit. It's size is a big advantage if you are just beginning to feel your way. The sails are relatively small: the boom is light weight. I don't recommend getting hit on the head during a jibe by even a very light boom, but on my 29 footer it was a solid spruce boom about 6" in diameter. That was a very serious potential cause for injury, and had to treated with great respect and caution. As for sailing it, 12 to 15 knots of wind sound ideal. My only adive is to make sure you have CAM cleats for the jib sheet; not jam cleats. Why? ...well if you are hit by a sudden gust, if the jib sheet is held in a cam cleat, a slight upwards tug will instantly release it, .... which is what you want. With jam cleats (that I originally had on my M15 #400) if you are hit by a sudden gust, the jib sheet will be pulled more firmly into the jam cleat, and you will have to exert a lot of force - pulling agains the load on the jib sheet to get it to release. After my first experience with that problem, my next step was to replace the jam cleats with cam cleats. Otherwise, the M15 is forgiving; has a nice motion; and as I said previously - is a joy to sail. I just wish that I still had mine....! Connie ----- Original Message ---- From: Herb Stokes <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [email protected] Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2008 8:25:21 AM Subject: M_Boats: M15, experience (lack of) and location Hello all, I'm very close to ordering an M15 and thought I'd try to get some reassurance before I jump. I have very little sailing experience (maybe 10 or 12 trips) but have 30-35 years boating experience, so I feel I have a good handle on the basic seamanship aspect of things. Here on the South Carolina coast we get an "afternoon seabreeze" of about 12-15 mph almost everyday throughout the summer. I've been looking at alot of different boats for a long time and I keep coming back to the Montgomerys. I'll be sailing the rivers and harbors, not out front. It is reasonable to think an M15 is a good choice for this. And, at 56, is this to lively a boat to manage, while leaning to sail? From all the reading I've done, I know there are a lot of seasoned veterans out there, so I'd appreciate any input you guys might have. Herb Stokes ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats
