November 2007 - montgomery_boats - mailman.xmission.com

Montgomery Sailboats are in high demand
by Bob Eeg 14 Jul '13

14 Jul '13

And are built with top-notch quality. There is nothing in the market place faster, better built and as good looking as a Montgomery Sailboat. I don't run a factory; I run a very small boatshop. I built to order on a boat by boat basis. I do a lot of custom work when asked. Bronze ports, Stainless ports, extra ballast, Custom electrical systems, Idasailor rudders, anchoring packages..etc. This work is labor intensive. Quality takes time. I have 3 employees. These people are highly experienced in Laminating, construction, assembly and finish. Woodworking and other skills result in a absolutely beautiful sailing vessel. I use the best sails the best rigging, the best custom stainless fasteners..and yes....(laughing) the best cushions. This last 15 months have been EXTREMELY busy; hiring new help was impossible because all the good people are gone. We had a tremendous BACKLOG and we caught a break only when Pacific Seacraft employees (let go) began filtering into our shop looking for work. We did add some additional crew in the Laminating Shop and because of that we are caught up. Pacific Seacrafts Bankruptcy was good for us. Bad for the dozens of good people who are out of work. The FIRST question of anyone buying a new boat should be 'How is the construction quality'? First and foremost that is the most important issue. I can say that everyone has experienced and will continue to experience a BACKLOG of orders; especially if the boat is as popular as a Montgomery Sailboat. When we had an 8 month backlog and I actually turned down 2 M_17 orders so we could catch our breath. It is impossible to work any harder or any faster. Now that were caught up we can get back to our normal 50-70 days (depending on model and options). Also custom work really adds to the production time. One beautiful M_17 we did we cut the V berth out of and installed an oval bulkhead, custom shelves and inline potti area; with 4 bronze ports she is an amazing boat, but custom work takes time. Expect delays if you go radical on the interior. (I think BONES has a photo of that one...) We are really one of the only builders that entertain changes and options to satisfy the customer. This new Passagemaker M_17 were building (and installing a windvane on tomorrow) is going to be amazing. Other actual boat factories that produce boats for DEALERS (that Tod mentioned) like Precision and Compac are built on Factory Production lines for a large Dealership Network. Dealers who have these boats in stock can supply them right away. But ask for major changes on a future production boat and the wait will be many months. International Marine builds boats faster with more employees but those boats are piss poor sailers (upwind) and many arrive with a list of problems that are pathetic. That's not me. So try not to focus on the TIME factor. We can only go so fast. Hiring additional help is not an option because by the time you train someone the season gets slow and you have to lay them off. I can't do that. I have people that have been with me for 20 years; I keep us small and efficient on purpose. So be surprised if we hit the delivery time; which we do quite often. Be a little disappointed when we miss it; but get over it when you see your boat. Dozens of you know me; you've arrived to see me rig your boat, pack you up and shake your hand. (Heck...Gary Hyde even brought me a bottle of wine..!..Thanks Gary.!) One man bought a new M_15 from us and a new M_17 a year later.! The C word...Cushions. I inspect everyboat before it leaves for home. Scott's boat was leaving for the Bay Area early Friday morning; I was at the boatshop at 10:30 PM Thursday night, sleeping at the picnic table just inside the door, waiting for the cushion guy to arrive with the (late) promised cushions. He drove up, woke me up and I watched as he stacked them on the deck. We left. My man arrived at 3AM and hooked up the boat and slid the cushions inside the boat. I should have loaded them myself then I would have noticed they looked good but didn't have the required 'Squeeze' factor. Let's move on, shall we....? Fair winds Bob Eeg (949) 489-8227 Boat Builder

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For your winter time pleasure...
by Bill Lamica 15 Feb '08

15 Feb '08

Hi All, The following is over a year old. I saved it so I could one day put it on the site. Robbin Rodderig provided excellent info and pics of his blister/gelcoat repair. Brian Gilbert sent photos of his self made battery box install - good idea! Note to Brian & Robbin... Better late than never. These finally got on the site! See What's New for the links... Bill http://www.msogphotosite.com/WhasNew.html I'm taking a few days off! More great information coming next week to the Photo Site!

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new member
by Tom Jenkins 21 Dec '07

21 Dec '07

Hello members: I bought M17 hull number 626 (2004) in late winter, and still need more time to bring it back to "new" before taking it out. I think there is a picture of the finished boat on Bob Eeg's website (taken at the factory in '04, with tanbark sails). Now it has a roller-furling jib, and I bought an Idasailor kickup rudder to try it out. The complete electrical system might have been unnecessary for my purposes, but it is pretty slick. I live in June Lake, which is high up in the eastern Sierra Nevada of California, and I want to sail in the local lakes to start, but I have designs on some Colorado River lakes (Powell, Mead, Havasu), Puget Sound, the Texas and Florida gulf coasts, and who knows what other great American waters. I would also like to return to Bahia Magdelena and other localities in Baja California and along the Mexican mainland. I have had a Nor'Sea 27 forever, but I wanted something more agile to hit small lakes than the 27, but more capable than my venerable gaff-rigged WW Potter. I certainly look forward to interacting with the group. Tom Jenkins Scintilla #626

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Winter Project
by Bill Lamica 30 Nov '07

30 Nov '07

I need a volunteer... For those of you with military experience. You know better! April 2006, I posted info on the Photo Site about mast measurements on George Morrison's M15. I would like to get info on a later model M15, say maybe a 97 or newer. If you M-15'rs would visit the link below, you'll find a new photo. This one is blank so you can add your measurements: http://www.msogphotosite.com/M15mastmeasu.html The page is unfinished until I get the info, so it is your turn to go to work! Remove the tarp or open the barn doors or whatever you may have to do to volunteer your efforts to the cause. So to speak... (you know it will be appreciated) And, if you all would like to start info on the M17 and M23 you may be able to use the same photos or maybe make a drawing, or visit the Dyer link provided on the page. Bill

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Spin. Track and Car/Slide recommendations
by Tom Smith 30 Nov '07

30 Nov '07

I'm going to install spinnaker hardware this winter, and would welcome opinions/recommendations on brand, sizing and install location from M17 owners. I'm not interested in cruising spinnakers. I want the total "Holy Sh*t!!" experience only a genuine pole-induced death roll can provide. Thanks. tom

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What's New is back!
by Bill Lamica 30 Nov '07

30 Nov '07

Hi all, In the immortal words of Howard Dean... YAAHOOO! The "What's New Portal" is again on the front page of the Photo Site. Okay... maybe like That's Nice! Maybe not a full YAAHOOO! Just added three new pics to Frank Durant's album of M15 "Finally" See What's New! www.MSOGPhotoSite.com <http://www.msogphotosite.com/> Bill P.S. There are a couple of new maintenance albums to be published in the next few weeks. Good information for the aspiring boatright

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Has anyone pulled a M 15 with a Subaru?
by Flickasf＠aol.com 29 Nov '07

29 Nov '07

I have a M 15 and pull it with a 2006 Subaru Forester. I haven't pulled it over any steep mountain passes yet. Have any of you had any experience pulling a M 15 with a Subaru? I hope I do not need to put brakes on the trailer. Thank you, Bert Felton M 15, #365,Zephyr ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com

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Re: M_Boats: Has anyone pulled a M 15 with a Subaru?
by GILASAILR＠aol.com 29 Nov '07

29 Nov '07

Guys, am I not getting something here? Wouldn't be the first or last time that is for sure! Are we looking to tow a M-17 with a Subaru Forester if the vehicle has a tow rating of 2400 pounds? That is marginal at best and only if the boat is completely empty, I would be very careful. Or I could just be misunderstanding this thread and I have missed the fact that we are looking at towing a M-15 with a Forester. Tom Jenkins wrote: While the subject of towing is fresh in people’s minds, I weighed my M17 with full electrical package, Pacific trailer, 5 HP Honda with full fuel tank, sails, running rigging, etc., and it came out at 2950 pounds. Filled with reasonable personal gear for a boat this size, I would guess less than 3500 tow weight. No way would I consider towing a M-17 with a car that was rated at 2400# tow capacity, goodness forbid if something happened - 'victims' would "own your farm"! Check those figures - most all vehicles, unless they are trucks - require the use of brakes on a trailer that weighs more than 2000# gross. These requirements vary from vehicle to vehicle and state to state. Motor Safe, Then go Sailing. Gary O. M-17 **************************************Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest products. (http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001)

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West Marine LED Trailer Lights
by George Morrison 29 Nov '07

29 Nov '07

I just received a "SAFETY CHECK!" notice from West Marine. Their records show I purchaced West Marine LED Trailer Lights (credit card). They have received reports that the West Marine branded LED Trailer Lights (various models) have intermittent failures. It says to check that your lights are functioning. If they don't operate correctly, return them to your local West Marine store or call 1-800-BOATING and mention "West Marine LED Trailer Lights" to obtain instructions for returning the product and to receive a full refund. Mine went bad, license plate LEDs got wet and corroded, some of the individual red lamps also didn't work. I replaced them this season and hadn't thrown them out yet, so I'm taking them in to the store for the refund. George M15 #319

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towing
by Tom Jenkins 29 Nov '07

29 Nov '07

While the subject of towing is fresh in peoples minds, I weighed my M17 with full electrical package, Pacific trailer, 5 HP Honda with full fuel tank, sails, running rigging, etc., and it came out at 2950 pounds. Filled with reasonable personal gear for a boat this size, I would guess less than 3500 tow weight. My question: what is the lightest and most fuel efficient vehicle (with 3500 lb or better tow rating) that would pull an M17 without white knuckles and serious slowing on hills? I am using my ¾ ton 4x4 truck at present, but it is vast overkill, and a real gas guzzler. Thanks, Tom Jenkins M17 Scintilla

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