Thanks, Steve. Very helpful. ________________________________________ From: montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of stevetrapp [stevetrapp@q.com] Sent: Monday, December 16, 2013 10:32 PM To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats Subject: Re: M_Boats: New Member Kevin, I managed to lift my M-15 off the trailer using a 4X4 aft of the keel/center board housing, a floor jack and jack stands. Next time I will pay the fee for the boat lift at the local boat yard. I think West Marine (the big box store for boat stuff on the West Coast) carries a rope ladder that be tossed over the transom so you will not need to drill holes in your M-15. Set your hook before go swimming, my M-15 drifted on the current faster than I could keep up to swimming, and I was a triathalon swimmer at the time. Good luck Steve M-15 # 335 ----- Original Message ----- From: "Kearns, Kevin P" <kkearns@pitt.edu> To: <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Monday, December 16, 2013 11:55 AM Subject: M_Boats: New Member Hi Everyone, In the spring I purchased a 1993 Montgomery 15 in near mint condition. I enjoyed sailing her all summer on Lake Arthur about 40 miles north of Pittsburgh. I've sailed nearly all my life and have owned several boats (Flying Scot, C Scow, Capri 22, O'Day Daysailer, Compac 16). I'm really very pleased with the M-15. She is all that I hoped for and more. I'm looking forward to following posts on the forum and learning more about my boat. I have two questions: 1. I'd like to raise the boat off the trailer (just a few inches would do) to apply antifouling paint to the portion of the hull that rests on the trailer bunks. I saw a few pictures that involved lifting the entire trailer, then bracing the boat and dropping the trailer. I don't feel comfortable doing that. Does anyone have another idea? I may just go to a marina and rent a lift. 2. I want to swim off the boat, but I'm really reluctant to drill holes in the transom for a permanent swim ladder. Can anyone recommend one of those removable ladders that hook over the rear coaming? Thanks. As I look out my office window at the grey Pittsburgh winter, my thoughts turn to sailing. Best wishes, Kevin Kearns Pittsburgh, PA ----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.3462 / Virus Database: 3658/6923 - Release Date: 12/15/13