Harvey, Later-model Com-Pac 16CBs had a centerboard and bowsprit. The new foresail position supposedly reduced weather-helm. But I've never read that the CB was a dazzling improvement over the old 16'. One nice thing about the fixed-keel is not moving parts to fail. --Craig ----- Original Message ----- From: "Harvey Wilson" <HarveyWilson@compuserve.com> To: "For and about Montgomery Sailboats" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Friday, April 11, 2003 8:50 PM Subject: Montgomery 15 vs Compac 16 Hi Jessee... I see that the MSOG has the article on M-15 vs C-16 that I was going to refer you to. While I own a M-17, I've sailed on several C-16's. They're fine when there's stout winds about. Also, the C-16 only had a shoal draft keel, which will drift off course more then the M-15 (with board down) and won't sail as close to the wind as the M-15...with board down. That centerboard on the M-15 is a great feature<GG> FWIW, I hear that some C-16's now hav ecenterboards like the M-15...if the c-16 that you're looking at has this, then check out the sail area...methinks the M-15 has the C-16 beat. That and the lighter weight (750 vs 1100??) will let the M-15 perform better. Regards, Harvey/ Ga M-17 Stargazer #294