Listers: There is a wire lead, approximately three feet long, that runs through a block that is integral to the forestay fitting on my bow. In addition to holding the forestay, the fitting holds two snap shackles (port and starboard) and has a wire lead turning block in the middle. The wire lead has a small thimble on one end and a shackle on the other. The configuration (snap shackles and wire lead block) is original to the boat, so it pre-dated the roller furling unit and was undoubtedly used in conjunction with raising a lowering sails while racing (like reducing from a No. 1 to a No. 2 without going bare). Two questions: 1) does anyone know what the wire lead was used for; and 2) can anyone think of a good reason not to eliminate the wire lead now that it appears to be obsolete (and would rub against the roller furling drum if I attempted to use it for anything)? Thanks in advance for your replies. Matt Wolford 1976 C&C 42 Custom
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