When Jerry Montgomery gives advice, it is hard to ignore. I'm getting both. David Grah ________________________________ From: jerry montgomery <jerry@jerrymontgomery.org> To: David Grah <d_b_grah@yahoo.com>; For and about Montgomery Sailboats <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Sunday, March 2, 2014 10:13 AM Subject: Re: M_Boats: Fw: Small Jibs for Montgomery 15 I'd still get a storm jib- they don't cost much and last forever. The 15 will sail really well in 30 kn winds in cruising mode (lots of weight, stored low, of course) with a single reef and a storm jib. I've only had 30 kn once in Mexico but it blew 25 and 30 every day for a week. My advice? Get both. jerry ----- Original Message ----- From: "David Grah" <d_b_grah@yahoo.com> To: <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2014 5:22 PM Subject: M_Boats: Fw: Small Jibs for Montgomery 15 Thanks for the replies and input on the best size of a small jib. I didn't hear anything that suggests to go against Harry's advice so will get the 85% jib. I believe it will best balance a main with two reefs in. I'll report how I like it after I have the chance to use it a time or two. David Grah ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: David Grah <d_b_grah@yahoo.com> To: "montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Friday, February 21, 2014 5:48 PM Subject: Small Jibs for Montgomery 15 I am interested in the groups thoughts on small jibs for my Montgomery 15. I have always been a little slow to reef. For instance, I was out with one of my brothers and one of his kids in the Montgomery 15 out of the Berkeley Marina in the San Francisco Bay in some typical summer wind. The wind was comfortable without reefs or a small(er) headsail with my 200 pound or so brother helping me hold the boat down. I did notice once we were out that every single other boat around, most in the 30's of feet long, were all reefed. I have never had the option of a smaller jib on this boat. Doing it again, I probably still wouldn't have reefed that day with the ballast I had along. Still, reducing sail area is something I should be able to do, especially as I start to venture off shore a bit more and further away from harbors. My main has a single reef, which I have only used once. I am planning a trip to the Sea of Cortez this October. Jerry Montgomery mentioned the idea here and I liked it so am planning to go. Any body of water has stories of how strong it can blow there, and the Sea of Cortez is not exception. Because I would like to be able to venture out a ways while there and be able to get around if the wind does pick up, I figure I should get a smaller jib and a second reef put in my main for those windy times. My sails are Elliot Pattison and I have been very happy with them. The jib is a standard one. I asked Elliot Pattison for a price for a storm jib and he wondered if an 85% jib might make more sense. He said the storm jib is probably best for heaving to in over 25 to 30 knots of wind, as opposed to sailing which the 85% would be better for. I do like strong wind and the ability to sail in it, plus it seems prudent to be able to continue to function as the wind climbs uncomfortably. I haven't heard of Montgomery 15's with more than 2 reef points so assume that 2 is a reasonable maximum. In addition to wondering what size jib would allow me to progress in as strong winds as it is reasonable to make progress in a Montgomery 15, I wonder what size jib would best match a typical Montgomery 15 main with two reefs in it. What are the group's thoughts? Thanks so much in advance. David Grah Bishop California Montgomery 15 - Sky