M_Boats: Boat loading technique

Hi All, I had a devil of a time retrieving my M-17 until I remembered a technique used in canoeing. If one has two lines, one stern and one bow, and keeps the stern short while the bow is longer the boat will track up the dock by pulling mostly on the stern line. I found it easier to load the boat this way. I was more able to center the keel & hull. I've used this technique to "walk" a loaded canoe for long distances, along a shore line. Which is sometimes necessary if the winds or waves are too much for a paddler. I've found I can keep the boat tracking forward with the bow out a little while I'm dry and on the beach. May be useful to others Bill M-15 "Salty Lady"