October 2011 - montgomery_boats - mailman.xmission.com

Little Breeze M15
by Michael Mann 18 Nov '15

18 Nov '15

Hi, My name is Michael Mann and in 1982, I sailed the Montgomery 15, Little Breeze from CA to Hawaii. I see on the web site that she has been rescued by new owners in Hawaii and I would love to correspond with them. I am currently sailing on a container ship headed for Honolulu and would welcome the chance to make contact. Thanks for any info. Michael Mann

11 16

Montgomery Sailboats are in high demand
by Bob Eeg 15 Jul '13

15 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

4 3

Re: M_Boats: Hi
by SALGLESSER＠aol.com 07 Jul '13

07 Jul '13

Hi Gordon, Louis, In my "day job" we began to export in 1979. We began to import in 1981. With more than 30 years of experience in this area and more than 1,000,000 miles traveling to distant lands, I believe my understanding is somewhat broad with regards to the question. There is truth to what Gordon says, and there is also truth to what Louis says. The question is quite complex, certainly more than can be discussed on this board (although I am willing to share info and experience if anyone is interested). The valuation of currency is critical to understanding. Long term, it is important to balance import and export as it is important to help support US companies. At Sage Marine, we are offering sails from both Harry Pattison and Judy B., whom have demonstrated quality and commitment. (We will also work with any sail-maker of your choice). Please pardon the shameless plug. Hi Bones, Quality is more a demonstration of longevity than performance, and longevity is difficult to determine in the short term. sal In a message dated 8/24/2011 8:54:54 P.M. Mountain Daylight Time, gordon(a)financialwriting.net writes: Apology accepted, Louis. You're right in that 2/3rds of the U.S. gross domestic product is driven by the consumer sector -- the goods and services purchased by all of us (excluding businesses and the government). That's important for our nation's well being, and especially for small businesses. All competitors in the global economy -- including many "mom-and-pop outfits" in the United States -- work hard to sell to foreign buyers. At the same time, many savvy consumers seek out the world's best products and services for the lowest price -- which makes sense. In a way, this potentially threatening "global economy" can benefit us all -- as consumers and businesses. I don't think boat sails or any other products are necessarily inferior -- or "low-ball," as you said -- just because they are made abroad. What's more, my recommending a Chinese sailmaker to someone doesn't mean I'm against buying "American." In fact, feel free to call Harry Pattison at Elliott-Pattison Sailmakers, a top-notch sailmaker in the United State of California who knows Montgomery boats well, and ask him how many sails Gordon Gilbert has purchased from him. You might be surprised at what an "equal opportunity" buyer I am. I'm just a hard-working guy who, like anyone else, wants to get the most for his money. Enjoy the rest of your sailing season! Gordon Still a Proud U.S. Air Force Veteran P.S. Frankly, I don't think being disrespectful or discourteous to someone in an e-mail -- especially someone you don't know -- is a good way to GET THEIR ATTENTION. On Aug 24, 2011, at 5:28 PM, Louis Remmers wrote: > Gordon: I do apologize if my e mail seemed disrespectful, but I DID get your attention. Although we all know the current economic situation is global, very few of us have any influence in foreign economics. We do however have a huge impact in the economy of the USA. If we all purchase in country it WILL make a difference. I would like to recommend Douglas Fowler sail maker from New York. Chris Rooke in Memphis is also able to make excellent sails at a very good price. If you look around you will find MANY mom and pop outfits that we need to help us all float our boats so to speak. Once again accept my apologies for rocking your boat. Louis Remmers. > > --- On Tue, 8/23/11, Andrei Caldararu <andreic(a)math.wisc.edu> wrote: > > > From: Andrei Caldararu <andreic(a)math.wisc.edu> > Subject: M_Boats: Hi > To: "For and about Montgomery Sailboats" <montgomery_boats(a)mailman.xmission.com> > Date: Tuesday, August 23, 2011, 12:34 PM > > > Dear Gordon, > > First, I hope your health is at least as good as it can be under the circumstances. How are you feeling? Have you been able to do some sailing in MN? > > I wanted to ask you a quick question. I remembered that at some point you mentioned an outfit in China which sold you sails for the Monty 17 at a very good price. Were you happy with the quality? What was the name/web address of the place? I am thinking of getting a new mainsail, and perhaps a new sail for a new boat I got (a Windrider 16, single person trimaran). > > Best wishes of health and hope, and I hope to hear from you soon. > > Andrei. > _______________________________________________ > http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats > > When posting, remember that there is no privacy on the Internet! > _______________________________________________ > http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats > > When posting, remember that there is no privacy on the Internet! _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats When posting, remember that there is no privacy on the Internet!

2 1

BEER cruise at Pensacola
by Michael Murphy 26 Apr '12

26 Apr '12

Got back from the BEER (Backwater Environmental Escape Rendevous) in Florda this week. 3 small boats were there: a M-15, a Potter 15, & a 20' cat boat; boats like 26' MacGregors and Morgons predominated. Half the trip was a beam reach with northerly land breezes in the early AM and southwesterly sea breezes buyilding around noon. Only down side was the long road trip. Might have to try the Savannah area instead next year. It's closer to NC. Mike, Fionnula, M-15

3 4

Great Loop!
by Bowman, Jeremy 14 Jan '12

14 Jan '12

Hi everyone, I am going to sail my M17, Griselda, around the Great Loop in 2012! I've already started preliminary planning. I want to make my trip an educational experience for school children; the idea is that they could track my progress and write reports on the things I document along the way. My goal is to cultivate in children a sense of adventure, a love of reading and writing, and to have the kids actually want to publish their writing. I've got a LOT of ideas floating around in my head right now. I'm actually going to try to get grants and sponsorships from several different sources related to the educational field, etc, along with practical grants regarding supplies (I removed company names because I'm not soliciting here, just letting everyone know my plans). I have a friend who is wanting to expand her education business into the language arts, so I'm going to look into being a part of that as well...though I am thinking I'd rather my thing to be a non-profit. On top of all that, I am so excited to finally be planning a long sailing trip! I think it will be good for me to get a lot of good, challenging sailing experience without striking out into the middle of an ocean. If I have a problem, I'll be able to just pull into land relatively quickly. If it's in my budget, I'll try to make it to the Lake Havasu convention before my trip. I know many folks were interested in seeing Griselda's fixed keel and testing her against the normal swing keel design. I think it'd be a good way to give the trailer sailor community some info about my plans for the trip and the education program. By then it should be fully developed and funded (even if only with my own money, haha!). Of course I am more than happy to hear advice for the trip, like what kind of food is best for long trips, how best to store water, fuel, etc; if you want to talk to me about the non-sailing part of my trip I guess it should be via private email, not posted on the board--and to reiterate I am not trying to solicit anything here, except sailing/cruising tips and good places to visit. :)

5 4

Re: M_Boats: montgomery_boats Digest, Vol 103, Issue 6
by Stan Winarski 05 Jan '12

05 Jan '12

I too have experienced a recurring leak in the joinng of the centerboard trunk with the cockpit mold on my M 15. It is a difficullt place to work and even the patches of fiberglass I've installed were hardly esthetically attractive but they did the trick. Any chop encountered resulted in leaking water into my two "dry stores" drawers I installed on either side of the trunk. Stan Carol II, M-15 #177

11 15

first sail of the Lake Pleasant AZ season
by Doug Kelch 08 Nov '11

08 Nov '11

The cool front finally came through and the temps dropped and the wind came up. Took "Seas the Day" ( M15 Gaff Cutter) out to play. The starting winds were 10 kts, gusting to 15 kts. By the end of the day the forecast proved correct and was blowing 15 kts, gusting to 25 kts. SWEET!!! By the end of the day I was down to a single reef in the main and just the staysail and still moving at hull speed. I got to play with all of the lines a couple of times :-) Thanks, Doug Kelch "Seas the Day" M15 G #310

15 20

New to Montgomery
by David Gilroy 07 Nov '11

07 Nov '11

Hello all, I'm excited to be the new owner of a 1984 Montgomery 15. I live in East Granby, CT and usually sail out of Guilford on Long Island Sound. I have yet to get out for a sail but am hoping to be able sometime in October. Does anyone know if 1984 M-15's have steel ballast in the keel, and whether the centerboard is fiberglass. Mine is well and truly stuck in the up position despite a couple sessions of doing everything I could think of to lower it, and I'd like to understand better what I'm up against. Also, is it allowed to post a boat for sale in this group? (Not the M-15, but my last boat) Thanks very much. David Gilroy

7 10

Re: M_Boats: New to Montgomery
by Martha Ekwurtzel 07 Nov '11

07 Nov '11

Greetings and Congratulations on your fine acquisition of an M-15! I know there are many wealths of knowledge out there on the CB issue. This is a great group and site! Although I live in the Midwest and sail on Wisconsin's inland lakes, I grew up sailing on Long island Sound and think a Montgomery 15 will do well once your CB is free Again, welcome and great boat! Martha Ekwurtzel M 15 - 601 Knott head David Gilroy <dbakergilroy(a)sbcglobal.net> wrote: >Hello all, > >I'm excited to be the new owner of a 1984 Montgomery 15. I live in East Granby, CT and usually sail out of Guilford on Long Island Sound. I have yet to get out for a sail but am hoping to be able sometime in October. Does anyone know if 1984 M-15's have steel ballast in the keel, and whether the centerboard is fiberglass. Mine is well and truly stuck in the up position despite a couple sessions of doing everything I could think of to lower it, and I'd like to understand better what I'm up against. > >Also, is it allowed to post a boat for sale in this group? (Not the M-15, but my last boat) > >Thanks very much. > >David Gilroy > > > > > > > >_______________________________________________ >http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats > >When posting, remember that there is no privacy on the Internet!

3 3

Stuck M-17 Centerboard
by Rich Makela 07 Nov '11

07 Nov '11

My '77 vintage M-17 spends the summer on Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis. I launched for the season last week (a bit late) and took my first sail yesterday. When I tried to drop the centerboard it didn't move. It is stuck in the up position. I've had the boat since 1999 and this is the first such problem. I did have a problem raising the board a couple of years ago, but that problem went away on its own after a couple of weeks. I've looked at the photos and diagram of the centerboard on a '78 model on the msog.org website, so I think I know what is inside the CB trunk that I can't see. I thought about pushing a rod of some kind through the pendant opening to try to push the board down, but the hole is not much bigger than the pendant. I also don't want to damage the pendant or its connection to the CB. Does anybody out there have an idea what might be binding the CB, and what I can do to dislodge it without breaking something? Rich Makela M-17 #233

4 6