Michael, The mast on the M15 is easier to raise than the one on the M17, however, I have an M17 (Miss T) and even at 60 don't have any problem at all raising the mast. If I were trying to decide which boat to buy, I would look at where I want to sail, what towing vehicle I have and the number of friends/family I normally sail with. There is quite a difference between the two models and you might want to look at both before deciding. The M17 handles steep chop better than the M15, has more room and has at least one comfortable sitting nposition below. Both boats can take a lot of weather, but the M17 does better in rough conditions. I think either boat would be a good choice depending on what you want and where you sail, John Edwards Miss T M17 # 372