Thanks Rick. I really appreciate your well informed and detailed answer. It helps. Take care. Michel Lesage Lesage conseils inc. Tél. 418.683.6600 Téléc. 418.682.6497 -----Message d'origine----- De : montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] De la part de Rmceagrella@aol.com Envoyé : 19 mai 2008 16:51 À : montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Objet : Re: M_Boats: RE : Info request on seaworthiness Honestly speaking Michael, I take all of my boats to the San Juan islands to sail and I can still say that the 17 was superior to the 23 ad 22 foot boats I had then. That had a good deal to do with my choice of restoring the M23 I have now. I have been in contrary tide and wind conditions and understand exactly what your concern is. The cockpit 17's arrangement felt like a boat much bigger and more importantly the construction quality is there. The Catalina 22 I had developed stress fractures from 5ft seas I had crossing Rosario Strait, this would never have happened in the 17. The Compac 23 I had was pretty solid but couldn't sail to windward to save her life....or her Captain's. My 17 was a sweet sail sailing boat, probably better than the 23 I have now... I am not from a racing background but it is informative that I work to keep up with them in light and moderate breezes....right Larry, Eldor and Gary??? None of this is to say that the M17 is going to have the seakeeping or seakindly characteristics of a Bristol Channel Cutter, it is only a 17 foot boat and nothing is going to change that! It will be more lively in a dynamic sea. But if you are concerned that it should be discounted because no one else is buying boats this small. Consider the importance of quality of design and of construction. When the chips are down you will be glad you did. Oh, I also would ask how many of the 10,000lb+ boats have been more than 30 miles from their moorage. Take care. Rick M23 Raven **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats