Peanut resides in Northern Oregon near the Columbia River. She was custom built for Peter with a full electrical system and those salty oval opening ports. On the far left is a photo of Peter and on the far right is his first mate and girlfriend Judi. Peter didn't grow up on sailboats, having sailed only a little aboard a Sunfish before ordering the M15. He did see his first M15 at a Portland, Oregon Boat Show and was stricken by the "love at first sight" fever and knew he would own one someday. That day came on the 26th of April in 2003. When Peanut was delivered to his doorstep.
"The opening ports were $900.00 each installed back in 2003 (yes they were expensive), but having the ability to let in fresh air is really nice. When the cabin is closed for some time as she lays in the sun and gets hot, it's quite the advantage to freshen her cabin and air her out by simply opening the ports. After Bob finished Peanut, he swore he wouldn't do another set on board an M15 (mine was the second). However, I see they are installed on "Bella" #628, so maybe he's had a change of heart and is willing to entertain opening ports once again, during construction."
"The opening ports were $900.00 each installed back in 2003 (yes they were expensive), but having the ability to let in fresh air is really nice. When the cabin is closed for some time as she lays in the sun and gets hot, it's quite the advantage to freshen her cabin and air her out by simply opening the ports. After Bob finished Peanut, he swore he wouldn't do another set on board an M15 (mine was the second). However, I see they are installed on "Bella" #628, so maybe he's had a change of heart and is willing to entertain opening ports once again, during construction."
2003 Montgomery 17 - Hull Number 618
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"Peanut"
"Peanut was delivered with a coat of Teak Oil applied, so I had the choice to stay with oil or a more protective coating. It was a big job to apply several coats of Cetol to all of the Teak, but worth it in the end. The two issues with Cetol; 1. It is really nasty stuff to breath (Chemical Mask) 2. If you get it on the gel coat you need to remove it right away, before it discolors or damages the gloss. Taping off the areas is very important!
I followed the direction on the can and it worked great! When Judi and I looked at a for sale 82 M15 about 4 years ago the teak was so dry and damaged and had been sitting in the sun closed up. Once in the cabin it was unbearably hot. That's when I decided to order a new M15 and do it right the first time thus came the portholes. I just kept going from there with everything I would want! Peanut is the boat that I will retire with so I will never sell.
Next I will shorten the trailer mast carrier to let the mast ride under the Bow Pulpit while transporting and a better fit in the garage with Bob's new Stern mast carrier. And then there is the Jib Down Haul that I'm working on (oh the humanity - with boats it never ends - I like that part)."
I followed the direction on the can and it worked great! When Judi and I looked at a for sale 82 M15 about 4 years ago the teak was so dry and damaged and had been sitting in the sun closed up. Once in the cabin it was unbearably hot. That's when I decided to order a new M15 and do it right the first time thus came the portholes. I just kept going from there with everything I would want! Peanut is the boat that I will retire with so I will never sell.
Next I will shorten the trailer mast carrier to let the mast ride under the Bow Pulpit while transporting and a better fit in the garage with Bob's new Stern mast carrier. And then there is the Jib Down Haul that I'm working on (oh the humanity - with boats it never ends - I like that part)."
Story and Photos by Peter Deffenbacher
Good shot of the Keel / centerboard housing as she sits on the trailer. The port side cockpit locker is deep enough to store extra fuel as well as extinguisher, and other assorted items. Note the carpenters tool belt doing duty as a storage solution right at the companionway for easy access to the cockpit and the cabin. The lower set of photos shows that there is more than one meaning of Port Authority. Opening ports help quite a lot to get some air moving in the cabin, not to mention they are an added touch of salty to an already beautiful small craft.
Click on photo to enlarge
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