Attaching forestay to bow??? Also attaching mast to step

[Yamaha33410]

What type of pin or securing hardware is necessary to attach the forestay to the, I guess chainplate on the bow?

Forgive me I'm a newbie to the terminology. It looks to be all factory components, just missing whatever connects the rigging to the hole in that strap

I have some pictures on my phone I may be able to put on here or text/email to someone if that helps... Just bought this boat and wanted to raise the mast up this weekend and see what all I have.

I'm also missing the pin or looks like some people use bolts for the mast to the step, can I just use a stainless bolt/washer/nut setup to hold that together?

These seem to be the two key components I'm missing off the mast, I'll get to figure out the boom after that LOL...

Thanks for any help

-Todd

[Salty19]

We might need pics mainly because rigging tends to be replaced or modified over time.  Not sure what the end of your forestay looks like.

Usually there is some sort of pin with a hole at the end for a cotter pin or a shackle that would go through the hole in the chainplate.  There are two of them up there.  The aft chainplate clips the jib, the forward chainplate clips the forestay.

I sold my 16 years ago but seem to recall the forestay had a C shaped clip at the end with two holes in it.  I would align these holes with the chainplate hole then use a shackle w/ 1/4" pin through all three holes to secure it. Using a shackle was nice because you didn't have to deal with replacing cotter pins all the time, or need any tools to rig it.   

A long stainless 3/8" bolt and stainless nut works fine for the mast and step. hardware store stuff is fine. You could also used galvanized bolts if you can't find stainless quickly and are in a rush (but do replace later with stainless).  However, DO NOT USE hardware store shackles on the forestay. They are very weak compared to forged marine grade stuff.  Spend the $ on good marine grade (harken, ronstan, wichard brands are all good). 

Here is an example of the shackle I am referring to:

https://www.mscdirect.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/browse/tnpla/73525321?cid=ppc-google-New+-+Material+Handling+%26+Storage+-+PLA_sjj8F0xWI___164110844382_c_S&mkwid=sjj8F0xWI|dc&pcrid=164110844382&rd=k&product_id=73525321&gclid=CMifgaf-l9ICFdu6wAodJkMOFg

[Yamaha33410]

Thanks! would that be the appropriate size needed for the front chainplate? I.E. it seems the hole on the plate is factory and hasn't been modified/drilled larger, is that  pin going to be a tight fit or is it ok if it is slightly loose in the hole of the chain plate? Like its not a tight tolerance fit... just needs to go through the hole and take out the slack with the turnbuckle i'm assuming... I'm very handy, I'm a car mechanic for over a decade, its just I want it right and have a steep learning curve into the marine world.... I could macguyver something but I already know thats not a good idea as I do plan on getting it out in the ocean!

I'll head to my local Boat Owners warehouse tomorrow or Sunday and get some hardware, I'm sure they have what I need locally, just need to know what size is recommended particular to our boats...

[Salty19]

1/4" is the correct/exact size for the pin or shackle. Larger will not fit and smaller will dig into the metal and fatigue it. If the hole is elongated you might want to replace the chainplate.  Hutchins can provide you one, they are not expensive.

BTW I think that a forged pin with a circlip is standard rather than the shackle, but either will work.  You will need to measure the forestay fitting to ensure the pin passes all the way through it with room to put a circlip or cotter pin in the hole. One of the issues with the shackle is it needs to be wide enough to fit over the forestay fitting (the U or C shaped end piece with the two holes in it). If you go that route, measure first then look at the dimensions of these shackles to ensure the one you'll buy will fit.  I like the shackle..just easier to rig.

That's right-loosen the turnbuckle first, raise the mast, attach the shackle then tighten the turnbuckle.