Buying new, long and I digress...

Posted By: Mitch Carnes P-15 Blu Bayou
Date: 1/6/09 6:51p.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

In Response To: Buying New (Chris - M-15 SV Julie Suzanne #653)

Dan & Chris; Yeah, sure, new would be nice, and after much work on a prior boat I bought my last boat new, because I'd had enough of all that work to bring her back . But my goal is to sail. Maintainence is not a problem, I kinda like doing that too. But I'd like to avoid doing big repairs. I've spoken with Bob, 4 years ago or so, I doubt he remembers, about a new boat, I was just inquiring at the time. I hear good things about his operations too. I might call him again, about factory capacity and scheduling. But there is the painful reality. A boat, trailer, tax and license. $$ Ouch! As a manufacturing engineer that has sailed small boats for 25 years I know the monty is easily worth it's price. The lapstrake hull allows light weight and great strength, however it's probably the most expensive to produce. And the keel centerboard combo, and the core'd decks.... also top notch, and not easy/cheap to make. That all adds up to a great boat. ( Did Hess come up with all that or did he have help? Sure seems like alot of good ideas out of a single fellow...)It's easy to understand why the Monty is the high performance sportster of the small boat world. My issue is justifying the expense, as reasonable as it may be, against the current economy and the fact that it's a hobby. (well, ok, sailing's a way of life! But explain that to my wife!) My little p15 was about 10k new delivered, I paid cash. Not too painfull. And it satisfied my immediate need. And if I do find a M17 I'll still keep that little P15. I've kind of outgrown her though, therein lies my quandry.... I agree with the cruising adage, dollars are freedom. But then, boats provide freedom too..... Thanks for your continuing assistance in my research. Regards, Mitch