M_Boats: Early M17 Cast Iron Centerboard Question

I have a '74 M-17 with a cast iron swing keel. I have not seen much conversation about the early swing keel. Cranking the CB up and down I lost count at 120+ revolutions of the crank. This is a bear on the way back to the dock. Has anyone made any modifications to an early boat to make the process of cranking the CB up and down more efficient? Sailing the boat is a joy except for this chore.