Spring Stay Puzzle

[billknny]

When I first purchased my ketch the spring stay was installed with a single insulator more or less half way between the main and mizzen masts. Obviously not to use the wire as an antenna, no radio had ever been installed and a single insulator would not be much use for that application.

Anyone have a clue whey this might have been done? My guess is some lightning protection theory I am unfamiliar with.

In a related question, I do intend to install an SSB and need an antenna. A split backstay on the main makes an antenna installation there a bit tough. No permenent backstays on the mizzen eliminate that as a choice as well. In alternatives I have seen the spring stay can be used, though I worry a bit about the long lead up the mizzen. Another alternative I heard mentioned is to use a mizzen shroud. Is there a good, reliable way to insulate the shroud from the spreader tip?

Bill Kinney
http://www.geocities.com/bill_knny
S/V Fetchin' Ketch
Sausalito, CA