I posted on this sight a while back and received an answer from a sailor who knows the Hunter 18.5 much better than I do. I have some new questions re the 18.5 Hunter. When I purchased the boat used it was in sad shape and neede the usuall TLC. After many hours of labor and inhaling more knowledge every time I took more of the boat apart I finally ended up with a brand new looking and functioning little Hunter. Being the restoration nut that I am I delved into areas where only the builders and installation technitions go. It was fun and enlightening. I started to sail with a friend whom I met at a sailing club that we joined. We then moved the boat up to Door County where she'll overwinter and be ready in Spring to take the plung again. My questions are: What is the standard line diameter for the mainsail halyard? The previous owner must have changed the line and went to a larger diameter for a better grip to accomodate their hands size. My experience was line chaffing and increased friction at the exit of the sheave box at the top of the mast. I did wash the line twice during the restoration period to remove as much grit and grime as possible. The line was air dried to prevent the line from growing from the heat of a drier. I noticed a sister craft in a harbor this fall that was being winterized. This Hunter 18.5 had deck stantions at the tramsum of the boat allowing life lines to be attached and provided protection all the way around the boat. Was this an option or did this owner have this hardware custom built? Thanks for any help you can provide. Paul W. Finch Pocket Change Ellison Bay