quick release furler

[van isle]

Hi Everyone , I'm new to this site and to MacGregor sailboats , I have limited sailing ability from my past, we bought a 2005 M26 2 weeks ago. I have a whole bunch of questions , but will start with one. one of the previous owners installed a JOHNSON MARINE FORESTAY QUICK RELEASE LEVER 1/8 WIRE 1/4 PIN. which is ok and strong enough, but he installed an extra mast hound roughly 10 inches above the factory one that holds shrouds.so upper end of furler mounts to this added hound, which is higher than shroud mounts, I assume the shrouds transfer a lot of wind energy to hull, by mounting the top of furler to the higher position, is this strong enough. I did research this in forums ,but did not see anything that answered my question .Thanks in advance Eric
its a CDI FF2

[Stickinthemud57]

Welcome to the forum.

Photos are really helpful with questions like this. I did a Google search for the JOHNSON MARINE FORESTAY QUICK RELEASE LEVER 1/8 WIRE 1/4 PIN, but several images came up that showed different devices.

At Blue Water Yachts (authorized MacGregor parts dealer), they advise strongly against using quick-release mechanisms to secures the forestay as they are generally not as dependable as standard clevis pin and ring devices. I would extend that warning to any stays or shrouds, as failure could result in the mast falling over.

[van isle]

Thanks for the reply, I was disappointed when I noticed the non stock setup, this boat also has turn buckles on shrouds. I am away at the moment and cannot post picture yet.

[dlandersson]

Little bit jealous about the turnbuckles on the shrouds. On my "to-do" list

Thanks for the reply, I was disappointed when I noticed the non stock setup, this boat also has turn buckles on shrouds. I am away at the moment and cannot post picture yet.

[van isle]

Here are some photos, that might help

[Stickinthemud57]

Turnbuckles on the shrouds is a good thing, IMO.

That rig at the bottom of the furler looks a bit dodgy to me. Any idea what the load rating is for that Johnson?

[van isle]

sorry for the bad photo , single handed .
Cat. No. Extender # of Holes Wire Size Approx. Breaking Strength Pin Dia. Q.R. Throw Pin to Pin SWL
14-205 3 To 1/8" 2,500 1/4" 2-1/4" 7-3/8" min. - 8-3/8" max. in 1/2" increments 1000 lbs
this is the info from the internet, Thanks Eric