RE: M_Boats: raising the mont

I was fascinated at the way Larry Yake raised his M17 using the toe-rails. I need to inspect the centerboard on my 17, but have shyed away. Most of my projects have parts left over. I do want to add a bottom ablative paint, so when I do this I will need to do the centerboard also. A haulout at our local marina wants $150 to lift the boat off the trailer and $150 to put it back. ouch. Larrys method seems very feaseable has anyone tried it, or have any other suggestions? gilbert