I simply added a pelican hook to the end toggle and there was enough room in the turnbuckles to take up the slack. If I'm not mistaken, the toggle was secured to the pulpit with a clevis pin, so I didn't have to replace a stud or anything like that. It was easy. Your set-up may be different. I have gates at the aft end because previous owner always came on board at the stern. Now, I have gates at all 4 corners.
can you describe the clamp you use to keep the pelican hook secure behind the first stanchion?
It was a nuisance to have loose lifelines when the pelican hook was released, but I added a clamp at the first stanchion, which keeps the life lines tight when the gate is open.
Great info, BTW. My next step is to replace the coated lifelines and go with bare wire.