Wayne,

I recently installed the in-line lower on a boat I purchased last summer. The boat had none of the retrofits since it was produced. I purchased the entire in-line lower kit from Ballenger spars (831.763.1196) for about $150. The kit is complete with finished shrouds, shackles for mounting to the chain plate and rubber inserts for the mast fitting. You will need to drill the present lower shroud toggle to 5/16" to accommodate the two inch shackle used to mount the in-line lower to the chain plate. The kit contains complete instructions. Buzz Ballenger built the original spars for the Express and is an expert on any retrofits you want to do. You will need to relocate the mast hole for the aft lower to a position approximately two inches below and about 3/4" astern of its current position. This can be accomplished with a drill and metal cutting jig saw, and is not difficult. The aft lower will need to be shortened two inches. This is roughly the length of the upper swage fitting. Then you will need to have a new fitting swaged onto the wire. Is there a facility where you live that can perform roller swaging? I had mine done a local aircraft repair shop for $5. Buzz can also provide the swages you will need. Good luck.

Gary Naseth

:: I have just picked up a new main sail.

:: I want to add a lower in-line shroud to get the most out
:: of the sail.

:: How is everybody attaching the shroud to the chain
:: plates? (2 holes 3 shrouds)

:: Does anybody have any pictures of the chain plates?
:: attachment points?

:: Any other pointers for setting this up?
::
:: Thanks

:: Wayne