Don, If you search the archives you might find something on the subject. I think I remember that the factory lifts the M15 by the bow and stern cleats. When I replaced the centerboard in the M15 I used the Marina hoist and used the cleats for the attachment points and it worked quite well. I did use some safety straps under the hull as well since I was working under it for a bit. I believe the center of balance was actually about 4 - 6 inchs forward of the cockpit opening. A set of lifting straps would work quite well and relieve the anxiety but they tend to get between the boat and the trailer bunk beds when lowering back on the trailer. --- "Ludlow, Don" <LudlowD@BEK.com> wrote:
Hi Folks: My yacht club has a power hoist and I've been thinking of rigging my M-15 to use the lift. Advantages are: I can leave the mast up and rudder on when sailing out of the club a lot and there would be less corrosion on the trailer. Has enyone done this? Do you know where the center-of-gravity is? I read where the factory uses the shroud eyes to lift the bare boat onto the trailer but they seem a little small to me. My thoughts are to install a 3/8" eyebolts, on either side, through the deck about 15" to the rear of the shroud eyes and 3/4" inboard of the toerail, backed with a hardwood strip and fender washer. I would use doubled 2x4 for a spreader and lift using 1/2" double braid. Most of the (1,200# ??) weight would be on the eyebolts and I would bridle to the stern cleats to keep her level. The eyebolts have a working load of 1,400# each and hopefully the deck could take the load. The widest point on the beam and most of the keel is aft of this point so I guess that the center of gravity is a foot or so aft of the companionway. Any thoghts? Don Ludlow M-15 #620 Sweet Dream
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