Forestay - what's wrong with this picture?

[prv]

For what it's worth, I had that size of shackle in the forestay of a 24-footer without any worries. Although, 1) it was a gaff rig, so generally lower loads, 2) there were also the jib and staysail luffs, independent of the stay, which would have held the mast up had the stay failed. I specifically had a bow shackle on the end of the wire because the next part of the connection was a lashing, and the bow gave lots of room for plenty of turns of rope. Bit of a different situation to yours.

Pete

 

[caiman]

Plenty of wear on the 'middle' hole which,I presume,is where the forestay was originaly attatched.
Cheers

 

[ganter]

For what it's worth, I had that size of shackle in the forestay of a 24-footer without any worries. Although, 1) it was a gaff rig, so generally lower loads, 2) there were also the jib and staysail luffs, independent of the stay, which would have held the mast up had the stay failed. I specifically had a bow shackle on the end of the wire because the next part of the connection was a lashing, and the bow gave lots of room for plenty of turns of rope. Bit of a different situation to yours.

Pete

Yes you probably are on what is presumably not the latest in ocean racing machines.

I had a shackle in that location for a good few years . I have now replaced it with a toggle but I am quite sure the shackle would have seen me out and without risking a dismasting. (but it was a heavier shackle and it was not a bow one )

I went round the boat yard once photographing the arrangements people had at the stem head ..... plenty worse than yours!

Thanks guys - for the "flipside" to the argument.
She's had that arrangement for longer than I dare say without any mishaps so far.
But Standing Rigging was on my list of things to do this Winter anyway as I know it hasn't been done for at least 15 years. I reckon that's long enough between.

In my research on the whole subject I see it described regularly as "The black art". It certainly seems to be with so many differing approaches by mariners.

Again, thanks to all who posted opinions, observations and advice. All noted and filed away in the reference locker.

 

[Jaguar 25]

Could you explain please why you need articulation in two directions? Looked around the marina this morning and couldn't see a boat with that arrangement.

 

[Lakesailor]

what's wrong with this picture?

It's out of focus and has no subject contrast where it matters. The background "hides" the subject and as it's stainless it will only show up by providing a light reflection (such as a piece of card or the sky). Flash may have helped but the contrast between the rigging screw and the foliage would have been extreme.

 

[Daydream believer]

Forestays should be toggled in both dimensions, top and bottom.
.

Why?