The standard interior is the one shown in the drawing and is optimized for two-man cruising, with an emphasis on storage and cruising convenience. It will sleep three; two on the large forward berth and one on the quarter berth.

The alternate interior (a no-cost option) sleeps four. In place of the galley cabinet, it has a quarter berth on the port side. An advantage of this interior is the added sitting room, but a disadvantage is the elimination of the sink and the storage under the cabinet. Realistically, the three berth interior is better for extended cruising, and the four berth is better for daysailing and overnighting where more than three people are involved.

The standard toe rails are teak, with extruded aluminum rails an option. The aluminum rails (perforated) eliminate the need for separate tracks for headsails - note that the genoa track and cars listed on the price list apply to the standard teak rails only. Both types of rails are bolted thru both the deck and hull.


END GRAIN BALSA CORE DECK

One of the outstanding innovations in fiberglass technology was the development of lightweight cored laminates. For years, the industry standard for building decks was plywood, sandwiched between layers of fiberglass. The plywood reinforced decks, although inexpensive, were subject to delamination. When end-grain balsa became available, builders of custom racing and cruising sailboats began using balsa extensively, followed by this company along with a few others. Balsa is much less subject to delamination than plywood because of the greater penetration by the bonding resins, lighter, quieter. and a much better insulator against both heat and cold. It essentially eliminated condensation. A balsa cored deck is more expensive, but it makes your boat last longer, go faster, heel less, warmer in winter and cooler in summer. The impact resistance of balsa core equals plywood core and considerably exceeds that of foam core. It is well worth the extra cost.


MASTHEAD RIG

The masthead rig, used in conjunction with a good reefing system, offers a wide range of sail selection while maintaining excellent balance. A masthead genoa in light air gives a much larger increase in power than is possible with a fractional (3/4 or 7/8) rig. It is a proven fact that the headsail on a sloop is the main driving force, and that the longer the leading edge of the headsail, the more effective the sailplan is in driving the boat, particularly upwind. In heavy air, the masthead rig is more rigid because the critical headstay tension is controlled by the backstay.

The Montgomery 17 masthead rig offers complete flexibility in sail selection, ranging from 76 feet with storm jib and reefed main, to well over 200 feet with the 1 70% genoa, with excellent balance at all times.


EXCEPTIONAL STORAGE

Storage capacity is of the utmost importance in a cruising boat of any size. There must be room for food, water, sails, clothing, bedrolls, anchors, cooking gear, fishing tackle, diving gear, the crew, etc., etc., etc. In the 17, we have done everything possible to utilize potential storage. There is storage under the quarterdecks, forward berth, under the cockpit, and plenty of cockpit storage. The M-1 7 easily has enough room and storage capacity for a two week cruise for two people.


SLAB (JIFFY) REEFING!

Slab reefing is by far the most effective way of reefing the mainsail, and sooner or later, we all find the need to reef. Slab reefing is the fastest, the most reliable, and gives the reefed sail the best shape. The common roller reefing is unacceptable on a quality boat because it badly distorts the sail shape. Nearly all mainsails on small boats have a rope sewn into the leading edge (a luff rope) that slides into the groove in the mast. As the boom is rolled, this luff rope quickly builds up into a bundle, stretching the luff of the sail tightly but building up a tremendous bag in the main part of the sail. This extreme fullness is very ineffective for sailing upwind and inefficient for heavy air reaching. Slab reefing, in contrast, pulls the sail down a panel and flattens it at the same time. Slab reefing also allows the more effective mid-boom sheeting. It is a little more expensive to build because of the extra hardware, but is simpler and easier to use.


OUTSTANDING COCKPIT

Part of the fun of sailing is being comfortable, and the 17 has a more comfortable cockpit than most 30's. Her high coamings and deep footwell make relaxing easy. (and keep the kids in the boat where they belong). Cockpit seats are 6'7", which is plenty for summer sleeping. For daysailing, the M-1 7 is comfortable for 6. A 7' by 7' tarp makes a great boom awning while at anchor and can be rolled up and lashed to the toe rail while under way.


FORWARD HATCH

The M-17 offers a forward hatch as standard equipment. The forward hatch is valuable for ventilation on warm days and nights and allows a flow of air through the boat. It is also very handy for headsail changes as the sails can be handed through the open hatch. This is more convenient for cruising and daysailing, and is faster for racing. The hatch is hinged at the forward edge so that it cannot fly up while trailering.