216 shroud modification question

[bucshot]

I took delivery of my new 216 last month and I love the boat. I keep the boat on its trailer so I have to rig the boat everytime I sail. Each time I rig the boat, I find some little short cut that helps me get the boat in the water quicker. However, dealing with turn-buckles everytime I step the mast is getting old. Has anyone modified the shrouds to use the over-center type hardware that is typicallly used to quickly attach a forestay? This hardware is a bit pricey but it could easily take 10 minutes off of the total rigging time. Let me know your thoughts on this.

Bucshot

 

[Ranger Paul]

216 Shroud Modification

I use a "cheater" line to attach my forestay without messing with the turnbuckles. Bear in mind that I run my outer shrouds at 325# due to the spinnaker so attaching my forestay is even more difficult. Take a length of rope and tie a fairly large loop in one end and a smaller foot sized loop in the other end. Use a Prusik knot (a climbing knot - see www.animatedknots.com) to attach the rope to the jib. Put foot in the smaller loop and push down. Obviously you have to mess with the length of the rope to get it just right. I put my full weight in the foot loop. I also use Ball-Lok Quick-Release clevis pins for all stays.

 

[rangerpaul]

Er...I forgot the mention the obvious...I attach the shrouds first then the forestay...