Paul,
By all means take John's suggestion and join the "Mariner Class Assn.", You will be glad you did.
Lot's of folks have switched to "Amsteel" for the centerboard connection between the pulley and the centerboard.
I personally have used Amsteel for 2 years now with no sign of wear. It's MUCH easier to deal with than the stainless cable.
On the Mariner group, there was much discussion on how to attach the Amsteel to the C.B. I just went through the hole in the board with a bowline, making the loop long enough that the bowline knot comes up through the hole in the trunk. That way, when the C.B. is supported either on the trailer or with the through-pin, you can pull the loop in the line through and check the wear on the line where it passes through the C.B. hole.
rob j