Here's what I did
Rick, I have been using the cheaper version of the Loos Tension Gauge, and it works just fine. Since the gauge is so easy to use, I don't see a great advantage in being able to read tension differences as you are adjusting. I If you install your roller furler with a plate to raise the drum above the bow, your mast will be raked aft and your boat's balance will be lost. The solution is to have the forestay shortened proportionately, so that the length of the stay, including the plate, is the same as the original length of the stay. I know, because the boat I purchased had the roller furler attached to the stainless steel tang on top of the bow with the forestay left at its original length. This caused almost disastrous weather helm due to mast rake problems. I had West Marine shorten the stay and install a new swage fitting. I attached an extension plate below the furler. This solved the problem, and the mast rake is now to Hunter's specs. The extension plate is plenty strong enough to take the tension on the forestay. Whatever you do, don't install the furler and the forestay to that stainless steel tang plate located aft of the deadeye on the bow. That is intended only for the jib tack attachment, and is not meant to bear the tension of the forestay. My boat was rigged that way, and it was a very dangerous situation. My 110% jib rides about 6 inches off of the deck. I don't think it makes a whole lot of difference whether it is mounted as far up the forestay as possible, or whether it it pulled down a littte. Good luck with these problems. They are exactly the same ones that I faced last year. Now, my boat is balanced,and has a great roller furling system. Don Barber S/V Third Degree
