Jerry, et al, My thinking (and I'm one of the guys that gets in the wind a bit AND likes to go fast) is that the primary rig consideration is seaworthiness, THEN speed. If the hull is fast, a less wispy rig will not slow her down that much. But if the rig overpowers at the first sign of a breeze, then few will want to go fast in her anyway. Personally, I am comfortable with the ballast on the M-15, but can understand how it can be a little, uh, disconcerting in the alleged 'death rolls' that are alluded to. I am satisfied and impressed that she will pop back up quickly once the sheets are eased. In a good chop she still powers through well and, off the wind her sprightly manners and eagerness to surf down a face are traits I wouldn't want to give up. Looking to the near future, another advantage to less ballast is a smaller, more efficient tow vehicle. Fuel prices will grow larger and BFFWDPU's and SUV's are soon going to be running out of dinosaurs to burn. The foredeck on an M15 is hard enough to get to at my age without adding a hatch to trip over. I would probably want to nix the hatch in favor of a dorado vent and opening port options. A little more erect cabintop that would allow a little easier movement down below is not a bad thing. I am prone to thinking it could also improve the asthetics-depending on the rest of it. Making sure that a 2-3HP four stroke will stow easily would be a big plus as well. Mine currently goes in the footwell below the hatch which can be difficult and messy unless the motor is completely tight. Beyond room for the shower, nav station and radar tower, that about does it.... Blake Reimer M-15 IOTA