saying no to steel M15s is CRAZY! the issue as linked are SO RARE. the 'steel issue' is OVERSTATED. if looking at an older boat get it's history - LONG TIME wet stored? how well maintained? when one talks about older boats you are likely to have these issue: old blow out sails (about $1200 to replace main & jib), old outboard (about $1000 for a new Honda 2HP), trailer tires and hubs (about $400). you then have the standing and running rigging ... cabin cushions ... rebedding the deck hardware ... dave scobie M17 #375 - SWEET PEA visit SWEET PEA's www-site - http://www.m17-375.webs.com --- On Tue, 7/28/09, Jim Sadler <jimsadler@jascopacific.com> wrote: Don't consider a 15 with steel. It cost more to fix the problem than the boat is worth check this link http://picasaweb.google.com/jascopacific/M15KeelRepair# but I would'nt part with the Pelican Captain Jim -----Original Message----- Sent: Monday, July 27, 2009 6:08 PM I have been considering the purchase of an older (early-mid 80s) Montgomery 15 but have been put off thus far by some of the reports of problems with the steel ballast. Can anyone help calibrate these concerns by saying how widespread and how severe these problems are? Do they occur in all steel-ballasted M-15s as they age, or only those that have been kept in the water most of the time? Does it represent a minor inconvenience that can tolerated, or a downright risk of the keel coming apart? Are there measures that can be taken to prevent or remedy the problem, short of major surgery? Your collective wisdom would be appreciated. Thanks. The new guy.