MONTGOMERY 17
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 17.08 ft |
| LWL | 15.83 ft |
| Beam | 7.33 ft |
| Draft | 3.5 ft/ 1.75 ft min |
| Displacement | 1,400 lb |
| Ballast | 550.1 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.3 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 22 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 6.6 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 19 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 7.9 ft |
| FLforestay | 6.6 ft |
| Mainsail | 153.7 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 72.6 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 123.4 sq ft |
About the MONTGOMERY 17
Early boats had a fixed keel. In addition, a flush deck version was also available.
Designed by Lyle Hess and built by Montgomery Marine Products (USA) in 1973, the Montgomery 17 is a compact, performance-oriented coastal cruiser. With a displacement of 1400.0 lb and a masthead sloop rig, it offers a balance of speed and stability for its 17.08 ft LOA.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend racers who prioritize sailing performance and ease of trailering over long-range bluewater capability. Its light displacement and high sail area-to-displacement ratio make it ideal for active sailors seeking a responsive, manageable package.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 2.62 and a comfort ratio of 9.4, the Montgomery 17 is not suited for extended bluewater cruising due to its light displacement and short waterline length. Its design prioritizes coastal agility and performance over the heavy stability and volume required for offshore safety.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other 1970s performance day-sailers like the O'Day 18 or Catalina 16, the Montgomery 17 shares a similar emphasis on speed and coastal utility. These boats are comparable due to their similar length overall, light displacement, and focus on recreational sailing rather than heavy offshore passage-making.
Performance
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
11 listings · boat years 1974–2017 · median $10,000
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 17.08ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Featured YouTube Videos
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
20 reported issues across 9 systems for the MONTGOMERY 17, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a MONTGOMERY 17? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 20 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
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Used sails that fit the MONTGOMERY 17
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