It happened to me too! When I was bringing home my brand-new-to-me M17 (Harvey Wilson's Stargazer, re-named Tiny Dancer). Very fortunately, it landed in the cockpit... chewed up a corner of the hatch, but fortunately that's it. I didn't know if this was a factory feature or an owner mod, and now I know. Lifting out the hatch can be nice 'cause you have little headroom with the hatch slid forward, but I seldom lift the hatch all the way out. Lock it before trailering! Best BG -- Brian Gilbert Marine Media Author, Fix It and Sail 3404 Hartford Drive Chattanooga, TN 37415 www.sailingsmall.com on 10/24/06 08:03, montgomery_boats-request@mailman.xmission.com at montgomery_boats-request@mailman.xmission.com wrote:

So I have had my 1974 M-17, Fore Play, for 5 years now and never knew that the sliding cockpit hatch could fly away! The one time I did not lock the hatch before trailering, it lifted off and disappeared somewhere up Logan Canyon. I spent 6 hours driving back up and down the canyon without luck. I am just very grateful that it did not hit some poor soul. So, be aware, it could happen to you! In the meantime, Jerry, is it possible to order a new one or will I have to try to build one?!

All the Best, randy randy@caffeibis.com