While we're talking about furlers, listers should check their forestay whether equipped with a furler or not, for freedom in two axes. That is, BOTH ends of the forestay should have two pins perpendicular to each other. This is usually accomplished with a toggle.
The forestay is particularly susceptible to movement in 360 degrees. When close hauled, the forestay is pulled to the side. When running, it's pulled forward. If movement is restricted to one axis, failure of the bow stem piece or attachment ear at the masthead can occur. One lister reported a bow attachment failure a few years ago due to single axis movement. Two axis freedom is not as important for shrouds as there is little side movement. Backstays could also benefit from two axis freedom. Dennis C. Touche' 35-1 #83 Mandeville, LA
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