Herb, I think Connie will agree with me that "weight distribution is reasonably critical" doesn't mean that you will be in any kind of danger with too much weight in the stern. The boat won't perform well, i.e. won't sail fast when unbalanced. And it won't handle as well either, which may be frustrating but not dangerous.
Your M15 will handle differently from an unballasted boat, either motor or sail. But in a good way, once you get used to extra weight. Motions are slower, less violent, and you learn to use the momentum to carry you up a dock, trailer, buoy or whatever. I believe the M15 is a very safe sailboat. I've read virtually every post on this site for the last 10 years and don't believe anyone has swamped their M15 or M17 (or M23), much less "tipped over." Some have scooped some water over the rail, but not enough to be dangerous. That said, just to be safe, keep you hatchboards in when the wind picks up. Bill Riker M15 - #184 Storm Petrel -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Conbert H Benneck Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:21 AM To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats Subject: Re: M_Boats: M15, experience (lack of) and location Hi Herb, I've sailed most of my life. Had a 29 footer for 26 years; worked my way up to a 38 footer - found I was over boated.... and then at 72 years of age I downsized to a Bolger MICRO, a ComPac 16, and finally the M15. The M15 is an absolute delight to sail, and I only gave up sailing at about 84 year of age, when Neptune tapped me on the shoulder and suggested I was getting a bit old for mast stepping. The only caveat is, that being a 15 footer, it sails well with two people on board - with three and even four if the others are children. You just don't want it to squat in the stern, so weight distribution is reasonably critical. I sailed our M15 mostly by myself, sitting as close to the companionway as I could. M15s are great boats. You'll have lots of fun with yours.... Connie Benneck ex M15 #400 LEPPO ----- 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 _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats
