IRV, I tell you what... Begin saving your money for that M-15 or M-17 right now today! It seems that those who want something bad enough... actually end up with what they want. I used to have another brand of boat. I was scared it would "turtle" each time I went out in a decent blow. I sold it, went sail-boat-less for quite some time and lo and behold the perfect M-17 came my way. Chance? Maybe... Destiny? Where did I read - you don't pick your boat... it picks you? You want an incredible deal on an M boat? Buy one brand new from Bob, keep it ten years and sell it for all that you paid. Now, that's a bargain! The alternative... Buy a lesser boat. But I can assure you... as my pappy used to say "It's better to want something you don't have - than to have something you don't want." Factually, I've never sailed the Compac Boats. However, I have driven a cement mixer truck. Strange that Concrete is used as ballast. I've help build lots of structures - never used it as ballast. Suppose it's okay. By the way, I'm not specifically being negative towards Compac... I'm just a whole hearted Montgomery convert. Bill M-17 SF Bay