Not to take issue, but I believe my 1985 or 1986 Montgomery 15 has steel ballast and it has never caused a bit of problem nor bit of worry from me. I would acknowledge that lead ballast might be preferred, but would dispute that it is the only way to go. We love our steel ballasted 15! Videos to prove it: https://www.youtube.com/user/dgrah/videos?view=0&sort=dd&shelf_id=0 David GrahBishop California Message: 6 Date: Fri, 8 Mar 2019 10:26:51 -0500 From: islandergirl80@yahoo.com To: Peter Zimowsky <rapidz@mac.com>, For and about Montgomery Sailboats <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Subject: Re: M_Boats: M17 vs M15 Message-ID: <F60521E9-EB03-4821-8F2C-5CE96D2CA329@yahoo.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 All great input. Some thoughts. Lead ballast boats, only way to go. I had an 1985. Bought her knowing board was stuck. Wasn?t a huge care. Would get around to it someday. Maybe. Where I sail, board would be up most of time. Worked on board once in a while, never making progress. Sailed her a couple years until, I decided to take one of the many outstanding offers to buy her at the local ramp. New owner was fully knowledgeable of stuck board but didn?t care either. Sent from my iPhone