Neil, thanks so much for your note. The m15 looks like a reat boat and you make some good points. They certainly are more affordable and there seems to be more of them on the market. I will keep this in mind. Thanks, Tim ________________________________ From: "ndorf@surfbest.net" <ndorf@surfbest.net> To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Sent: Tue, March 23, 2010 3:58:50 PM Subject: Re: M_Boats: new to group Tim, Welcome to the group. I am relatively new to the group myself (8/09). An M15 may be an option for you as well since you single-hand most of the time. I own one (an '85 model) and it is really easy to rig. You can step the approx. 35lb mast with one hand. No gin pole needed. I run a line from the shackle of my jib halyard through a block at the bow and then back to a cleat on the deck-top right by the companionway where I can reach it. As I step the mast I take up the slack, so that when the mast is upright I can let go of it and then go forward and pin the forestay. Also, no mast spreaders. No rear stay. Just the forestay and the two shrouds. Easy. Handles on the water like a sports car. Lightweight to tow. Cockpit is fine for 2 people but in my opinion that's the practical limit. No sit-up room down below makes it less desirable for multiple night cruising but for day cruising or a weekend it's great. And although smaller, the v-berth has no compression post so the sleeping area is generous for a 15' boat. About 1/2 the weight of the M17 to tow, if that's a concern. M17 would sail much stiffer no question about it. M15 ballast including cb is about 315lbs, and the skipper and crew become a more important part of the overall ballast equation. I wouldn't call an M15 "tender" but by comparison to an M17 it is more so. If you consider an M15 then since you will single hand in windier conditions have all lines run aft, get a storm jib (I hear a Potter 15 jib works well) and ideally have two sets of reef points in the main my main only has one set but that's what came with my boat :-( Another list that's a good resource is: http://bbs.trailersailor.com/forums/montgomery/index.cgi Good luck with your search, Neil Dorf M15 Northern California _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats Remember, there is no privacy on the Internet!