I am using the boom as a fulcrum, with the halyard to the end and the main sheet as purchase. It needs side to side stabilization. Also the mast on it's way up needs side to side stabilization. The key is that these stabilizing lines (steel wires with thimbles and snap shackles) attach to a point in line and in plane square to the pivot at the bottom of the mast. This ensures that the required length stays the same on the way up.
Now, the problem is that this point is well above the cabin top, and that mounting anything there, like a chain plate would require drilling holes, and more importantly, would leave a trip or stabbing hazard on deck. So, I came up with the idea to have a steel ring there, which is held by two wire lines that go to existing mounting points on the floats.
The way I see this, these multiple triangles keep each other in tension all the way up. It would take seconds to install and remove. Once the mast is up, the forward shrouds tension, as well as the headstay. The halyard/boom/sheet would tie it down until I get the running backs on and voila...... I think this should work, unless I'm missing something. Any comments?
