Montgomery 17 FD Information, Review, Specs

The Montgomery 17 FD shares its underbody and hull lines with the standard Montgomery 17 and is part of a lineage that includes the smaller Montgomery 15 and the larger, cavernous Montgomery 23. Unlike the standard model, which was designed for coastal cruising with a focus on interior volume, the FD was marketed as a high-performance daysailer or a "pocket rocket" for club racing. By eliminating the trunk cabin, Jerry Montgomery provided the helmsperson with an unobstructed platform and a massive cockpit for a vessel of this size, though this came at the direct expense of interior standing room.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Montgomery 17 FD are defined by its high ballast-to-displacement ratio and its stiff, predictable motion. With a displacement of approximately 1,600 pounds and nearly 600 pounds of ballast (primarily in the form of a lead-filled fiberglass fixed keel/centerboard combination), the boat exhibits the stability of a much larger keelboat. Its sail area-to-displacement ratio suggests a boat that is lively in light air, yet its heavy-weather performance is what truly distinguishes it.

The lapstrake hull design acts as a series of longitudinal stringers, making the boat exceptionally stiff in a seaway. Handling is reported to be balanced, with a slight weather helm that provides excellent feedback through the tiller. The fractional rig allows for easy depowering; by tensioning the backstay, the mast bends to flatten the mainsail, a feature often discussed in technical reviews by Sage Marine, the company currently producing Jerry Montgomery’s spiritual successors. Owners frequently note that the boat tracks exceptionally well for a 17-footer, making it one of the few trailerable sailboats capable of handling "small craft advisory" conditions with confidence.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The "Flush Deck" designation fundamentally alters the interior experience compared to the standard Montgomery 17. While the standard model offers a surprisingly usable cabin with sitting headroom for four, the FD interior is best described as a "sleeping tube" or a large gear locker. The lack of a trunk cabin means headroom is strictly limited, forcing occupants to crawl into the V-berth or quarter berths.

For the dedicated cruiser, this is a significant compromise. However, for the adventure sailor or racer, the trade-off is a deck that is much easier to traverse during sail changes and a cockpit that can comfortably seat four adults without feeling cramped. The materials used below deck are consistent with Montgomery's high standards: heavy hand-laid fiberglass and minimal wood trim to reduce maintenance. While the standard 17 is a "weekender," the 17 FD is a high-performance daysailer that happens to have enough dry storage and berth space for an occasional overnight trip under a boom tent.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Montgomery 17 series gained significant fame in the small-boat community due to several high-profile blue-water voyages. Most notably, a Montgomery 17 was sailed from California to Hawaii, and another famously traversed the Sea of Cortez during a documented expedition. While these feats were typically performed in the trunk-cabin version for the added protection, the FD model benefits from the same hull-strength reputation. The boat has been featured in several retrospective reviews in Small Boats Monthly, where it is frequently held up as the gold standard for what a trailerable "pocket" boat should be: overbuilt, aesthetically pleasing, and capable of offshore work.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When inspecting a Montgomery 17 FD, the age of the fleet (most were built between 1973 and 1995) necessitates a focused technical review:

• Centerboard Pennant and Trunk: The stainless steel cable that operates the centerboard is a common failure point. Buyers should inspect the cable for "meat hooks" (fraying) and ensure the trunk itself hasn't been damaged by the board banging in a seaway.
• Chainplate Leaks: Like many boats of this era, the chainplates can develop small leaks where they penetrate the deck. If left unchecked, this can lead to moisture in the bulkhead or interior liners.
• Deck Core Integrity: While Montgomerys are famously robust, the flush deck is a large expanse of sandwich construction. Check for "spongy" spots near the mast step or hardware attachments, which indicate core delamination.
• Trailering Hardware: Because these are primarily trailer-sailed, the condition of the custom galvanized trailers and the mast-raising system is critical. Check for rust on the axle and the integrity of the mast hinge.

Community & Resources

The Montgomery community is one of the most active in the small-boat world. The Montgomery Sailboats Owners Group (MSOG) serves as the primary technical repository, offering digitized original brochures, rigging guides, and a forum for exchange. Additionally, because Jerry Montgomery is still active in the design world, resources from Sage Marine often provide crossover technical data regarding the sail plans and foils that evolved from the original 17 design.

The Verdict

The Montgomery 17 FD is a "sailor’s sailboat," prioritizing deck ergonomics and hull performance over the "RV-style" comforts of many modern trailer-sailers. It remains a top choice for those who want a boat that looks traditional but sails with modern efficiency.

Pros:

• Exceptional Seaworthiness: Capable of handling conditions that would force other 17-footers back to the dock.
• Build Quality: Hand-laid fiberglass and overbuilt hardware ensure a long lifespan.
• Ease of Transport: Light enough to be towed by a standard SUV or crossover.
• Aesthetics: The lapstrake hull and salty lines make it one of the most attractive small boats on the water.

Cons:

• Limited Headroom: The flush deck design makes the interior feel cramped compared to the standard model.
• Rarity: The FD variant was produced in smaller numbers than the trunk-cabin version, making them harder to find on the used market.
• Weight: Heavier than many contemporary 17-footers, requiring a more robust trailer and more effort to launch.