Highfield Lever Chrome-Bronze Merriman Sailboat Rigging 5/8\" Pin/Jaw, 1/2\" Cable For Sale - New and Used

Hard to find, Vintage Highfield Lever for Sailboat Rigging.
Excellent Working Condition. Functions perfectly. It\'s in much better shape than you usually see these. Of course, it is slightly worn in places and covered in minor scuffs and scratches, but the chrome still shines and is clean.Material: Chrome-BronzeManufacturer: Merriman Brothers Inc.
5/8\" Jaw Width5/8\" Pin Width1/2\" Threaded Cable Width13\" Handle Length4.5 Lbs Weight
This can work as both an inner forestay or a running backstay, but it is most commonly used for a detachable inner forestay. It is generally not used for a permanent, primary forestay or a permanent single backstay because it is designed to be easily released by hand to clear the deck.1. Detachable Inner Forestay (Most Common Use)On cutter-rigged sailboats or sloops equipped with a heavy-weather staysail, this lever is installed at the deck level.

• The Function: It allows you to quickly tension the inner forestay when you need to hoist a staysail or storm jib.
• The Benefit: When the heavy weather passes, you throw the lever open, detach the wire, and secure it out of the way near the mast. This clears the foredeck so your large genoa can tack smoothly without getting snagged on the inner wire.

2. Running Backstays (Highly Common Use)On boats with fractional rigs or inner forestays, running backstays (\"runners\") are required to counter the forward pull of the sails and keep the mast straight.

• The Function: Highfield levers are installed at the deck end of each running backstay (port and starboard).
• The Benefit: When tacking or jibing, the windward runner must be heavily tensioned to support the mast, while the leeward runner must be completely slackened so the mainsail boom can swing across. The Highfield lever allows the crew to drop the tension on the leeward side instantly.

Why It Isn\'t Used for Primary, Permanent RiggingBecause a Highfield lever relies on an \"over-center\" mechanical latching action to hold tension, it is inherently designed to be opened. You would not want to use it on your boat\'s main permanent forestay or primary permanent backstay, as an accidental knock to the lever handle could cause catastrophic, instant mast failure.

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