I found that NZ rigger Gerry Jacobs has designed a replacement for the Highfield lever, which he calls the Hook Lever; made for 8 mm wire, chainplate with 1/2" pin size; comes with D-link and long swage stud. $450 NZ is an attractive price compared to the other options. I have put in an order and will post my impressions once I have it installed.
Regards,
Jan Waldin
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brion Toss
Hello,
The ABI was always a horrible choice for the job; it was based on an ancient "chain-binder" tensioner that was, at best, suited to fractional rigs in which tension was provided by the runners, and quick, frequent breakaways were called for. But on most boats they are just an incredibly heavy, clunky piece of hardware that won't allow you to tension the forestay sufficiently.
Therefore the Wichard or similar adjuster is a good choice, though we are more likely to use a Johnson backstay adjuster in combination with an Avibank pin. Quick enough, relatively low-cost, and stout.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss
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