Thanx Bones, I think the trailer might offer some solutions like the one you mentioned or a way to remove that part of the frame?. Maybe jacks built into the trailer to raise the boat? sal In a message dated 11/27/2010 7:47:17 A.M. Mountain Standard Time, bownez@juno.com writes: Stan wrote: I just repaired 2 old style M-17 with iron boards. Just referring to the lift pennant now .We found a special shackle ,slightly long with a hole at the top of the strap. We simply attached the shackle to the board put the pendent through the hole in the shackle slipped on a nylon washer to help spread the load between the pennant and the shackle and tied a figure 8 stop knot . the beauty of this system is that the knot is all trapped under the shackle and shortens the need for room between the top of the centerboard and the glass trunk, (at the hole) , Also the top of the shackle acts a a tough pendent stop instead of jamming and wearing out the old style bowline knot. I wish I would have had one of those shackles when I dropped and painted my M17 board last fall... Might you have a part number and a supplier Stan? Sal, The swing keel is a necessary item for us trailer sailors. Most of the launch ramps I deal with are quite shallow. The biggest pain about servicing the board was moving the trailer forward (sliding the 17 aft) so the board would clear the keel support roller. Perhaps a new trailer design where the frame is not blocking and the roller could be removed is the way to go. Then the trailer with boat could be backed up on ramps, the roller and stop pin removed, and the swing keel lowered. I would like to see the board made of material that does not rust like the cast iron. My 2 cents worth. Bones ____________________________________________________________ Weight Watchers® Official Site. Discover Weight Loss Freedom with Weight Watchers Today. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4cf119c143bd845983dst05vuc _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats Remember, there is no privacy on the Internet!