IMG_1998

I use a double Portuguese Turnbuckle,(I used V-12 Vectran, strong, & holds knots),to tension the rig, as I'm generally solo, & don't like the idea of hanging in a harness while trying to put a pin in the shroud. I always kept a screwdriver handy to insert in case I dropped the dammed pin in the water.
The double PT works as follows,(is kinda hard to see in photo). The thinner line is rigged,(5 turns)at the "storage",(loose)tension, & taped, to prevent well meaning helpers from undoing it & dropping the mast. The thicker line, runs 4 turns(8:1). I can haul it down for a very tight rig, then tie off to the O ring. When done for the day I simply untie the thicker line, & the rig slacks off to the thinner lines setting, with no danger of losing the mast. This worked well for 1 1/2 seasons, BUT, I had to place a plank across the bows as I can't easily reach it while at the dock. I changed one shroud to one of those adjustable shroud extenders,($76) & ran the jib halyard/tension Spyderline through a block & to the front beam, so it can all be done without ever needing access at the drum.
The clam cleat in the photo was used to tension the jib via the tail of the halyard,(not shown).