I intend to lift our M17 using a method similar to Larry's, Gilbert. Jerry's used the alum. toe rail to move M17s around forever (I shouldn't have to say the teak rails won't serve this purpose, right?). I plan to spread the load out to at least 6 points, maybe 8, and keep the lifting bridle angles as straight as possible (not sure how to say this...the point is to have the straps or cables or chains or whatever hang straight down to the connection at the toe rail, thus lessening the strain on the strap and the rail). I'll probably rig a pair of backup straps under the hull for good measure, and then block the boat up after I've dropped the cb. I might add I will administer one or two stiff shots of George Dickel to myself prior to performing this operation. If I wasn't going to refinish the bottom however, I wouldn't go through this pain. There are numerous places with lifts sufficient to get a 1500 pound boat off a trailer to gain access to the cb. If all I was doing was dropping the board, that's the route I'd go. t Tom Smith & Jane Van Winkle Sandpoint, Idaho M15-345, Chukar M17-064, Unnamed _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats This message was scanned for viruses!!