Missing link on forstay set up

[pcatterall]

Just got round to re-fitting this after repairs to the 'bowsprit'
The stay has a furling genny with its own built in 'turnbuckle' and this has a fork with a pin. The bowsprit has its own turnbuckle at the top of which is a fork with a pin.
There has to be something fixing the 2 forks together, either a spacing plate with 2 holes tfor the pins or similar.
I can't think why, when we removed the fitting last year, we did not leave this fitting in place.
I have tried to examine some photos and it looks like the 'fitting' may just have been a shackle.
Is it safe to use a shackle there or is there a special fitting to join 2 'fork ends' together.
Or do I have to make something up?
Must remember to photo things now that the brain has gone AWOL.

 

[VicS]

Shackles in rigging are frowned upon.
Toggles are usually used to extend or provide extra articulation.

If you had a fork on one and an eye on the other a toggle would be the answer but not I think to join two forks.

Maybe you could replace one with an eye ... might then even be able to link the two directly.

A sturdy plate with two holes would do the business. Why not use a shackle as a temporary measure while you get a plate made?

A bit of a lash up by the sound of things with two rigging screws.

 

[Billjratt]

It's all to do with the required finished length isn't it.
Messy, but if you want it short, interleave the forks and put one pin through both.
The strength won't be affected, as the pin diameter is the same.
If you're going to make a plate, how far apart do you want the holes????????
You're going to have to pull it all together with lanyards and then take measurements.

 

[pcatterall]

Thanks guys, yes it is a 'lash up'!! the original forstay with roller reefing has been moved forward onto a bowsprit and I guess that extra length was needed hence the extra turnbuckle. Then an new inner forstay onto the old forstay position.
We will try a shackle and measure up for a 'proper plate' as recommended.