Montego 19 Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Montego 19 emerged from the design philosophy of Jopie Helsen, who aimed to craft practical, trailerable sailboats for a wide audience. Universal Marine Corp., under Helsen's leadership, specialized in fiberglass construction, a material choice that characterized many production builders of the era and allowed for efficient manufacturing and durability. The Montego 19, along with its sister model, the Montego 20, debuted in 1976. The primary distinction between the two, which significantly impacted the Montego 19's appeal, was its innovative swing keel. This design feature allowed the Montego 19 to reduce its draft from 4.5 feet to a mere 1.2 feet, greatly enhancing its trailerability and ability to access shallow anchorages and launch ramps 3, 8,. This focus on ease of transport and shallow water capability was central to Helsen's vision for this model. The hull is constructed from solid fiberglass, with an iron ballast integrated into the swing keel, 8.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Montego 19, with a length overall of 19.5 feet and a waterline length of 17.75 feet, is characterized as a light sailboat with good performance for its size [1,. Its fractional sloop rig, featuring smaller headsails, generally makes for easier handling, particularly when single-handed [3,. Owners have described the Montego 19 as initially stable and stiff. The swing keel design offers a balance, providing a deeper draft for better upwind performance and stability while sailing in deeper waters, yet allowing for retraction to navigate very shallow areas or facilitate trailering. Anecdotal evidence suggests the boat handles well, offering a decent cockpit for sailing. However, one owner noted the mainsheet configuration as a potential drawback. Despite its good performance, it's worth noting that it is considered best suited for day-sailing.

Accommodations and Layout

As a compact pocket cruiser, the Montego 19 offers basic accommodations suitable for weekend trips or extended day sails. While specific detailed layouts are not widely documented, the interior is typically arranged to maximize the limited space available. Given its size, it generally provides a V-berth forward, a small salon area with settees that may double as berths, and potentially a compact galley area for basic food preparation. Headroom is limited, as is common with boats of this length. Owners often find the cabin adequate for its purpose, and some have even customized their interiors. Storage is typically modest, focused on essentials for short excursions. The fiberglass construction often forms the primary interior finish, though many owners introduce wood trim and soft goods to enhance comfort and aesthetics.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Montego 19 frequently praise its key design feature: the swing keel. This allows for exceptional versatility, making the boat easy to launch and retrieve from a trailer, and granting access to waters often inaccessible to fixed-keel vessels. Many consider it a "very flexible boat" that performs well for its class. The solid construction, typical of Universal Marine Corp.'s output, contributes to its longevity, with many examples remaining active decades after production ceased. On the other hand, some owners have noted that the mainsheet configuration could be improved. For those considering a Montego 19, understanding the swing keel mechanism and its maintenance, particularly the keel bolt, is a recurring topic in owner discussions. While offering initial stability, some sources indicate it has a low righting capability if fully capsized. Overall, the Montego 19 is cherished by a community of sailors who value its practical design, ease of handling, and ability to explore a wide range of waterways.