Mark - what you describe is exactly how the 1981M15's are rigged. I replaced the through bolt a few years ago when I was installing wiring for lights and found the bolt had a bend in it. It has held up very well without any problems. Greg - There are many good safe public and military launching sites around the southern end of the Bay. I have kept my M15 at the Langley AFB and Fort Monroe marinas over the years. This year, three of us with M15s launched out of Put In Creek off the East River for a four day cruise around Mobjack Bay. Your cruise idea sounds great. Sailing on the Elizabeth River past the five AC Carriers and many other Navy vessels to include submarines is an experience and these are the same waters in which the Monitor and Virginia fought their duel. No sailor should pass up the opportunity to visit the Mariners Museum when they are in this area - we've just opened a full size mockup of the Monitor and the exhibits based around the recovered turret are exceptional - plan on at least one complete day for that tour. Let me know if I can help locally. Doug Kelch has been organizing Chesapeake Bay cruises for several years - during one of those I and my wife launched out of launched out of Solomons but did not see any other Montys there that time. This year was the first time I was able to persuade them to come this far South but the sailing was so good I'm sure they will be back. Stan Winarski Carol II 1981 M-15 #177 Hampton, VA