The Making of
The New Montgomery 23 Offshore Cutter
Part Six - Completion

Text provided by Bob Eeg, builder

Click on the half-scale image (10-20 kb) to see the full-scale picture (~60 kb.)

More to come on this page
Continued 11/07/2002:

The following flow of photos includes construction details that had to be finished in steps before other details could be completed. So the photos are not in exact sequence, but close.


The new trailer arrived. It didn't fit like we wanted it to, so the trailer manufacturer built us a new one to our specifications. This trailer is dual-axle, galvanized, has bearing buddies, a keel roller and keel guides. It has brakes on both axles and is very sturdy. The boat fits like a glove.


Now that the boat is off the cradle on the trailer it's a good time to raise the mast and check clearances for the rigging. I wanted the mast to go up without a big hassle so I decided that it should pivot at knee level, on a very strong stainless steel mast support (close-up in bottom photo). There are many advantages to this feature:
1. The mast will pivot without moving sideways while raising.
2. The mast can be raised by using the bottom as a lever.
3. While trailering, the mast is simply rolled forward on the built in plastic roller and is easier to move.
4. You can raise the mast without attaching ANY rigging beforehand. Simply slide the mast back to the bolt hole, insert the bolt (upper hole) and raise it. Once it is in the up position, simply slide the bottom bolt into the lower hole. Once these 2 bolts are in place you can take your time attaching the rigging. Its really nice raising a mast that doesn't wander off, left or right as it goes up and down. The high support keeps the mast on the same pivot and the same arc.
In this photo (the first time we raised the mast) we used a 4-part tackle with one end attached to the stainless chainplate. The other end had the tackle and was attached to the opposite chainplate. These chainplates are thru bolted with large area stainless washers and aircraft lock nuts, so are more than strong enough for this job.You can see the sequence in these photos. (The 4-part line is led to the self tailing sheet winch. Crank the winch, the mast moves.) We start with the mast on top of the laminated boom gallows. The mast only weighs 47 pounds so is easy to pivot up. Here we go...


The mast is moving up.


Almost up. We noticed that once the mast is up this far it's really easy to just push it forward and slide in the bottom bolt. Now you can take your time attaching the rigging without a second person having to hold the mast steady. This mast is 27 feet, one inch long. It has a combination tri-color/anchor light (standard equipment).


Mast up. Rigging attached. No stress.


Let's move inside for a while. Here's a series of photos of the galley area. I wanted a galley that has a great icebox, a great and safe 2-burner stove and counter space to prepare food. This galley is well laid out and meets all these requirements. Different dish racks and cup racks can be added as each owner prefers. The galley on the Montgomery 23 is a delight! This shows the counterspace, sink (no spout yet) and the nice, clean teak work.


This is the Origo 4000, flush mounted two-burner stove. It has potholders (not shown) and is considered one of the best stoves. Underneath is a very large pantry/cupboard. Dish racks haven't been installed yet. There's plenty of storage all around the boat. (We're also considering a sliding locker that goes underneath the port quarterberth; any ideas are welcome).


Here's the stove with the cutting board. Simple things like a cutting board make life on board easier. Do you like the woodworking? Me too. It's fun just to sit below on this boat. On a rainy weekend life on board will be comfortable and pleasant down below.


A long view. Notice the superior AC/DC panel the Montgomery 23 has. It's all standard equipment: The AC panel has a shore power plug that powers the AC Panel. When plugged into shore power if you flip the top switch, (all the panel switches are trip-free circuit breaker type) the 120-VOLT AC plug becomes hot. This plug is a GFI type and you can see it on the left side of the teak panel box. If you switch the lower switch the 120-VOLT AC Automatic Battery Charger will turn on. This charger is also wired to a Battery Combiner that is wired to both Group 24 AGM batteries. The DC panel is powered by these 2 AGM batteries and it starts out with a Blue Sea System 100 AMP in line fuse. This feeds into the 8-position breaker panel that runs the lights, 12-volt plug, masthead lights, foredeck lights, etc. In addition, that round gauge on the right side is the fuel gauge for the 18-gallon diesel tank. (it also has an internal light for night use). The 3 red Blue Sea master switches are labeled: House, Engine, Both. Use one just for engine starting and one for the house (ship's lights etc.) If you're ever in trouble, switch to Both to double up the batteries' amperage. When the inboard diesel is running, it also automatically charges both AGM batteries. (the Battery Combiner ensures an equal charge so you don't have to keep track of anything). The Yanmar 1GM-10 Diesel can be hand-started after eating your Wheaties. The AC/DC panel is hinged and folds down for access. The AC System has a plexiglass box around it to protect you from touching any hot 120-Volt wiring. All wiring on the Montgomery 23 is the best tinned Anchor wiring. All in all this is a superior system and should offer you years of trouble free use.


Photo of the Laminated Boom Gallows, with the mast in the initial raising position. Laminating is harder to build but much stronger. Also it is very good looking!


Here you can see the bobstay and whisker stay. That stainless bowsprit really is strong.


Another front view.


The Montgomery 23 Offshore Cutter has solid teak hatch boards. These are cleated on the edge with opposing grain teak and will never warp. In addition to the interlocking L-shaped pattern on the individual boards, we added exterior overlapping teak cleats to ensure not a drop of sea or rain water will get below.



Part Seven: Standard Equipment and Pricing

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