Andrei, I can't speak as to how the M17's stop pin is with respect to the ballast cavity. I can tell you that in my 23 the stop pin went through solid fiberglass (except where the swing keel slot is) so it would probably not leak water into the ballast cavity. Maybe we can get Jerry or Bob to chime back in on that. Guys? With respect to replacing the ballast. I wouldn't even consider doing it unless you were having problems. It is not and easy or cheap job. Buying lead was an education for me. I thought I'd find scrap lead for free at tire shops and places like that. NOT. If you have to end up buying lead shot like I did figure on around $1/lb. That adds up quick. In my case 1200lbs =......Oh I don't even want to think about it again! hahaha And I sure don't want to bring it up to Jo!. My advice would be dry her out as much as you can, seal her up, and hope for the best. Worse case scenario is you'll have to come back and deal with it later, Best case is it'll never bother you. Heck, you may not even have steel ballast...it might be all lead..in which case rust is never gonna be an issue. Sean _www.havasumontgomerys.piczo.com_ (http://www.havasumontgomerys.piczo.com)
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