If you want the 17 and it's within your means, and if you know something about trailering and wheel bearing health and repair and wiring of lights and so on, go for it. Utah's not far, in dog years. If you're healthy and feel comfortable with the rigging, do it. (It's not a featherweight boat, though. Make sure your towing vehicle is a match for it AND for the ramps that you intend to use. That said, the 15 floats off the trailer so fast, you have to make sure somebody's got a dock line in hand before you forget. I love my 15 but if my life could expand to take in an M17, I do it without a thought. Doesn't fit my domestically awkward situation right now. (Wish it did -- at least I'd have a comfortable place to sleep, and fry an egg. But you'll have to wait for my bittersweet novel in order to get the details.) Steven #324 ************** Get trade secrets for amazing burgers. Watch "Cooking with Tyler Florence" on AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/tyler-florence?video=4?&; NCID=aolfod00030000000002)