M_Boats: 83 M-17

Hi All, Is anyone on the list familiar with the M-17 posted for sale on the Yacht World site? It is an '83 located in Port Orchard, WA. I'm trying to decided whether to buy a good used 17 or go for the gusto and buy a new boat. My main concern about the used boats is the steel ballast rusting and causing problems. Seems to me I remember some posts about this, but can't remember what was done to stop/prevent problems. Thanks for any advice Smitty Windsurfers Do It Standing Up ! US-842