Like most things, the lead-up was a whole lot more scary than the actual event. I moved my M17 from wet storage to dry storage (mast up on the trailer) recently, where launching is done from a hoist. I've been back and forth from the water to the trailer a few times now, with very little drama. Leading up to the event, I called Bob E and asked him what he thought - should I lift from the toe-rail? Add lifting points into the deck or cockpit somewhere? A sling? Straps, rope or wire? Thanks, Bob, for the advice. I went with an under-the-boat rope sling, like you can see used on Strawanza on the photo page. I used some Endura braid from New England ropes, 10mm, (10,000-lb breaking strength and <1% stretch at 30% of max) and made a couple of lifting lines that terminated in eye spices. The eye splices retain 100% of the line strength, while bowlines only 45%, according to the manufacturer's website. One under the bow, one under the stern, and voila -- oh yeah, had to move the backstay out of the way, which a couple of quickpins made very easy (I tighten the topping lift down to the toe rail to keep the stick upright). Finding a balance point was easier than I thought it would be, with the keel weight below the lifting points. The lifting lines can move fore or aft quite a bit and the boat will still stay level. If you are thinking of lifting/launching your '17 this way and want more info, I'll be happy to chat. Matt, M17 Lily San Diego