the centerboard in the older M15s is steel wrapped in fiberglass. issues of stuck centerboards are reported. these are RARE. these come in boats that are wet stored for LONG periods of time. these boats are also lacking in basic maintenance. don't confuse the M15 and the older M17 'steel' issues. the 'classic' M17's cast iron centerboard is just that CAST IRON with a bit of paint. the M15's centerboard steel is much more protected. my M15 had (well she still has, but no longer my boat) steel ballast and centerboard. both were fine. if my memory serves the new M15/M17 (the centerboards are the same) boards are thinnner than the older design. if one has a problem you could always just by a new board from bob. don't run away from a steel ballast/centerboard M15. if everything looks and moves OK you are likely not every going to have a problem. again, stuck centerboards are RARE on the older 15s. dave scobie M17 #375 - SWEET PEA visit SWEET PEA's www-site- http://www.m17-375.webs.com --- On Mon, 7/27/09, Don Stickels <dstickels1@earthlink.net> wrote: 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.