Home
"Nui Huikala"
1982 Montgomery 15 - Hull Number 203
My Montgomery adventure begins in the summer of 1980 shortly after the purchase of a bright red and very new Catalina 22. I was certain that the Catalina 22 was the perfect boat for me and my family. That was until my local boatyard took on the Montgomery line. I was introduced to the M boats by having a M17 sail past me as if I had my anchor out!! Oh boy was I upset!! I kept the Catalina for several years always admiring the M boats.
There was a break in my boat ownership of approximately twelve years. I then owned several small dingy/racers and they were fun…however a recent knee replacement limited my maneuverability in small cockpits. I was finally on the hunt for that boat that would do it all and I remembered the M boats.
I live a mile high and many of the lakes I visit are even higher. I do not own a large tow vehicle so the M15 looked to be the perfect boat. I found my 1982 M15 (sail #203) on the Internet. It was in Arizona in the garage of a very caring owner. My brother-in-law and I made a flying trip from Centennial, Co to Gilbert, AZ and back this last Memorial weekend (2006). Fifteen hundred miles in a little over thirty-six hours. We found that the M15 will tow just fine at 75 mph. I like most of us that own sailboats had to make a few adjustments and upgrades. Every boat is an on going project that is always almost done.
The first was a new set of sails by Don and Mary Yager of Yager Sails and Canvas in Spokane Valley, WA. Followed by an Ida Rudder (I discovered that some previous owner had cut off the bottom 8" of the original rudder), and then routing all halyards and sheets to the cockpit for single handing including two Andersen winches. These little winches are most helpful when my wife and grandson crew for me. There were also many hours spent removing almost all of the original and scabby looking bottom paint. The rest will come off this fall. This was followed by compounding the entire boat with my trusty Makita buffer with a finish of boat wax.
The name of my boat when it came into my possession was 70..7 which has a biblical connotation. Wanting a name that felt representative of my boat and keeping to the feel of its previous name I settled on Nui Huikala. This is Hawaiian for very or most forgiving. I feel this is spot on in regards to how the M15 handles. New lettering is ordered and will be applied soon. Thanks to everyone who contributes to this site as I have used your ideas and insights many times already.
There was a break in my boat ownership of approximately twelve years. I then owned several small dingy/racers and they were fun…however a recent knee replacement limited my maneuverability in small cockpits. I was finally on the hunt for that boat that would do it all and I remembered the M boats.
I live a mile high and many of the lakes I visit are even higher. I do not own a large tow vehicle so the M15 looked to be the perfect boat. I found my 1982 M15 (sail #203) on the Internet. It was in Arizona in the garage of a very caring owner. My brother-in-law and I made a flying trip from Centennial, Co to Gilbert, AZ and back this last Memorial weekend (2006). Fifteen hundred miles in a little over thirty-six hours. We found that the M15 will tow just fine at 75 mph. I like most of us that own sailboats had to make a few adjustments and upgrades. Every boat is an on going project that is always almost done.
The first was a new set of sails by Don and Mary Yager of Yager Sails and Canvas in Spokane Valley, WA. Followed by an Ida Rudder (I discovered that some previous owner had cut off the bottom 8" of the original rudder), and then routing all halyards and sheets to the cockpit for single handing including two Andersen winches. These little winches are most helpful when my wife and grandson crew for me. There were also many hours spent removing almost all of the original and scabby looking bottom paint. The rest will come off this fall. This was followed by compounding the entire boat with my trusty Makita buffer with a finish of boat wax.
The name of my boat when it came into my possession was 70..7 which has a biblical connotation. Wanting a name that felt representative of my boat and keeping to the feel of its previous name I settled on Nui Huikala. This is Hawaiian for very or most forgiving. I feel this is spot on in regards to how the M15 handles. New lettering is ordered and will be applied soon. Thanks to everyone who contributes to this site as I have used your ideas and insights many times already.
Click on photo to enlarge
Home
