OK...Inquiring Minds...M15e

Posted By: Dan Phy
Date: 1/10/12 9:41a.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

Here is the short version. Launched new M15e #670 "ol'geezer" @ Oakland Yacht Club late Fri....Aaarrrgh...new proto-type cockpit drain leaked around fittings... due to the late hour we reloaded onto trailer...two double gin & tonics + dinner re-adjusted my mood....Sat. AM...late start due to unusually cold morning (frost)...took most of the afternoon to remove drain (improper tools)...consulted with Bob Eeg about the simplest fix...TWO trips to West Marine finally got the right tubing...re-install was easy....Aaarrrgh! 24 hour cure on the new caulk...2nd night sleeping aboard in the parking lot. Sun. AM...many Potterites (down to OYC for our annual meeting) attended the launch & christening ceremony conducted by Admiral R. Herman Franklin/supervised by Council of Elder. M15e launched and recovered very similar to my M17 (no stinking trailer extention needed...and the new drain was bone dry!!) Winds were light and variable...0 to 8 mph. Observations (without the 100# variable additional keel ballast provided by Bob). Boat handles well...neutral tiller...very responsive to helm...acceleration..good...initial stability a little more tender than stock M15...more heel and she stiffens up due to the "Shark Keel"...in those light conditions...I didn't notice any other small boats showing me their "six"!!...As soon as I finish a long list of over due "honey do's...I will get her back in the water for a real trial in real wind before HPCC. Over all...I LIKE IT!! Again...a BIG thank you to Bob Eeg and his crew @ NorSea/Montgomery for ANOTHER great boat.. photo..courtesy of C of E!!