Martha, I'm not sure about the 600lbs of cargo, but simply from a space standpoint it seems like a square peg in a round hole problem. It's possible, but I actually try to avoid that many people in my boat. In my opinion, it's too cramped while sailing to easily do what you need to be doing (tacking, gybing, hoisting, lowering, adjusting, etc.) with 4 adult bodies. My bias is primarily that I prefer the lively, nimble, aspects of the boat and freedom of movement. Winter storage? I'm from Oregon, so I can offer nothing useful on that. These boats fit in a standard sized garage pretty well though. Good luck! Jason Hood River, OR M-15 #411 -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of marthaekwurtzel@aol.com Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2010 8:50 AM To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Subject: M_Boats: Also Considering an M 15! Good Morning! I too have been researching your fine Montgomery 15 boats and have enjoyed reading the questions and responses in the Thread titled "Considering an M 15" very much. So informative! Many of my same considerations have been met with these exchanges. A resident of the upper Midwest, and a sailor of Wisconsin's inland lakes, I have no doubt about the quality of the M-15. You can feel that just from seeing her. Still, my particulars may not be well suited for this honorable boat, as much as I want them to be! I have a few unanswered questions which perhaps this knowledgeable and sharing group will consider; 1. I've read about M-15 sailors with supplies and provisions mounting up in weight for longer treks and the boat handling fine; what of four adult passengers totally 600 lbs with a bare minimum of supplies on a day sale? Dose this weight make her sluggish? 2. How detrimental to a fine craft such as the M-15 is winter storing outside, well covered by appropriate tarps? This is Wisconsin I am talking about. What are the necessary precautions of outdoor storage in freezing conditions? Thank you for your patient attention. Best Regards, Martha _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats Remember, there is no privacy on the Internet!