Vince and Sharon Get a Sailboat

(Update Jan05)
This set of pages highlights our journey from thinking about sailing to actually doing it.
All of the pictures below can be enlarged by clicking on them, though the download time for each is roughly 10 seconds at 56K modem speeds.

Disclaimer: These pages are a family snapshot, not a commercial endorsement. Many have contacted us regarding the purchasing of a new Montgomery. We enjoy hearing from you but please realize we are literally a 'Mom and Pop' operation, so our response time will often be rather slow. In addition, as we purchased our sailboat over 4 years ago, our information will obviously be dated.

Status: As of January 2005, we are still very happy with our Montgomery 15. We have added mud flaps and a spare tire holder to our Pacific Trailer. The pin on the keel worked its way out which I repaired. We have slept on the boat but find it a bit cramped. We have taken to packing a small tent so that when possible we can set it up. Our preferred sailing adventure has been where you have a camp site on a lake with the boat tied up within a few feet of your tent. We aren't white knuckle sailors but prefer gentle quiet winds at sunset with a cup of coffee. Early spring and late fall have been best as often we have had the lake almost to ourselves. Our Subaru has been a perfect match though at times a higher clearance would have been nice when launching and retrieving the boat.

Regrets: We often wonder if maybe the Montgomery 17 would have been a better choice as we often take extra people with us. The '15 is a two person boat though it works ok with four people on a short one or two hour outing. But then again, we haven't switched so that must say something. But if you have children, the 15 would be too small. Also, if you find that you are or will be serious boat campers more than sailors, we might suggest a 19' sailboat with builtin creature comforts like sink, stove, etc.

February 2001: Told Gary Hyde we were interested in learning to sail and could he recommend a sailboat? "Just so happens.... "


A special Thanks! to our friend Gary Hyde (Vanilla) and to all of you on the Montgomery Lists and owners groups for being with us from initial interest to our first sail with DUET	Gary Introducing Sharon and I to his M15 in the dead of Winter at Lake COEUR D'ALENE (We wouldn't let him wait till Spring).	I think Sharon has already Decided!


Vince Inspecting 'Vanilla'	We'll have to wait till Spring for a demo ride!	So we settle for a trip to Pend Oreille Lake to see Gary's other sailboat. This one is for sale by the way!
Our first ride in a sailboat! HOME