Thanks for all the info. I launched the next day at a ramp and had no problem. Much of my sailing experience has been in Baja where, out of necessity, I have had to launch across the beach, sans a ramp! I have done this with Potters. Easier to do as they don't have a keel to deal with. But, after sailing the Montgomery , I will take the keeled boat every time. She sailed fantastic and felt like a much larger boat. I am very happy with her. Bo