The difference in handling and setup between the 17 and the 15 is minimal. Both are two of the finest pocket ships ever conceived. Personally, I found my M-17 to be a lot easier to set up than what you show. I have to think that you got it worked out so that you could get rid of the auto gadget as it is not needed to raise a 29lb mast. The shrouds on the 17 are chain plated at the pivot point of the mast foot, making side ways sway not a non-issue. The shrouds stay tight enough during the raising to keep things going straight up. Once you have your shrouds adjusted to your liking, you never have to touch them to raise or lower the mast. All you have to do is get a shoulder under the mast and walk it up. Once you're past 25 degrees, it will go up with one hand and no shoulder at all. It will stay up long enough for you to clamber past the mast with headstay in hand to shackle up. I consider these little boats to be like the old '70's Jeeps. Simple, easy to use by expert or novice, and safe as a lifeboat. Lyle Hess designed them that way and Jerry Montgomery made them fast. I sailed my 17 in water rough enough to chase all but the largest sailboats back to the beach. Absolutely the best small sailer I've ever owned, and that's been a few. At winds that put her over to near 40 degrees of heel, one reef and she squared up at 15 degrees and never lost a knot. I was out on a crisp breezy day once, with a very large guest skipper aboard (6'5" and 320lbs) who was a world class sailor. While I was hugging the windward rail like a frightened monkey trying to climb away from a leopard, he was calmly laid out on the lee bench, tickling the leech line in the heads'l, trying to get more out of it. Twice she went over so far that she headed up in an instant with no wallowing, and stopped dead - just as an excellent small boat should do when over driven. From blasting wind in my ears and smashing white water up and over the windy side of the bow, to dead calm in an instant, with just the flogging of the main and the clinking of the halyards on the stick.. She never came within 6" of dipping the rail, even with so heavy an "object" on the wrong side. The guest skipper said calmly, "Good boat. It'll never go over." The monkey said, "amen"

Craig keep going, first time is nervis for everybody. Every time you learn more look in the video nice nature inhale that away from the noice. Keep going keep going ,wish you all the best. Theo. Sorry for any mistake in my whriting english in not my laguage, I am from holland ,sailing a midget 15.love it.

I know this comment is late but I need to give you credit for raising the mast and rigging the boat a while the temperature is 105 degrees and you are surrounded by a black asphalt parking lot. From the video it looks like you are about the same age as I am. I hope you have got the boat sorted out to enjoy it.

you dont give yourself enough credit.You are doing very well..Have confidence.

Your reasoning on which boat to keep is why I got my Potter 15 this spring. Having sailed a Capri 26 two-handed for 8 years, I had a good idea of what I would feel comfortable with as a solo sailor and of the the sailing grounds I would be frequenting. A flip-up rudder and shallow draft are nice things to have! Best of luck with your Monty 15.

I have a cruiser 18, love the video, congratulations

Beautiful boat. It definitely looks a bit tougher to solo vs the 15. Kudos to you!

A really good spot to spend the night!

How long does it take to rig and launch one of these from road ready on the trailer to backing down the ramp?

do you sleep aboard your 15? if so, what are the accommodations like? I'm looking for a small sailboat I can weekend on - I'm 6'1 - 200lbs. thx

what sort of winch are you using to raise the mast 0:50

you let a little fear cause you to give up on a wonderful boat. she never had a chance! I think you will regret that decision in the years to come.