Montgomery 15 - Hull Number 310
Doug Kelch "Seas the Day" [album] overnights in excess of 25 days a year aboard his M-15 "Seas the Day". Most Mini-Cruiser sailboats are plagued with keel housing and compression posts. The Montgomery 15 has abundant storage space and sleeping room and comfort not found in other craft her size.
To optimize space Doug has become creative as well as consistent with his storage solutions. A brief overview of the above photos left to right; first is the empty cabin, next are liquids, which are the heaviest and secured well for ballast in the front of the V-Berth. Then a soft layer to help cushion and stay any movement and then the inflatable kayak, gear and clothing bags and cooler. Packing this way has made the porta-potty available and takes the least amount of cabin space. What happens when "Seas the Day" is ready to retire for the evening? You can see the water and gear bags neatly stowed to starboard while the sleeping area is made to port. This gives well over six foot of room to lie down and plenty of room to move about. Far right are two plastic totes which slide out from under the cockpit for access and move back in to stay out of the way. Note that the cooler and the kayak spend the evening in the cockpit to free up as much room as possible. There are other storage possibilities under the berth, and one can imagine what can be stored to make the camping process even more enjoyable.
It's been said a number of times; Over-nighting in a small craft is like sleeping in a backpackers pup-tent. With the M15 it's more like the car camping version. There is plenty of room for lots of items. One just has to be consistent so the stores and equipment can be found as needed.
Photos and Story by Doug Kelch
To optimize space Doug has become creative as well as consistent with his storage solutions. A brief overview of the above photos left to right; first is the empty cabin, next are liquids, which are the heaviest and secured well for ballast in the front of the V-Berth. Then a soft layer to help cushion and stay any movement and then the inflatable kayak, gear and clothing bags and cooler. Packing this way has made the porta-potty available and takes the least amount of cabin space. What happens when "Seas the Day" is ready to retire for the evening? You can see the water and gear bags neatly stowed to starboard while the sleeping area is made to port. This gives well over six foot of room to lie down and plenty of room to move about. Far right are two plastic totes which slide out from under the cockpit for access and move back in to stay out of the way. Note that the cooler and the kayak spend the evening in the cockpit to free up as much room as possible. There are other storage possibilities under the berth, and one can imagine what can be stored to make the camping process even more enjoyable.
It's been said a number of times; Over-nighting in a small craft is like sleeping in a backpackers pup-tent. With the M15 it's more like the car camping version. There is plenty of room for lots of items. One just has to be consistent so the stores and equipment can be found as needed.
Photos and Story by Doug Kelch
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Cruising with the Montgomery 15
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