Harken 948 MKIII Jib Reefing & Furling - Manual (Page 17)

Preassembly
Cutting Headstay to Length • Reusing Existing Headstay
January 1999 Unit 2.5 MKIII 9
■ Reusing Existing Headstay
Your system is designed to allow use of your existing headstay .
Examine your headstay to be sure it is in good condition before
reusing. On wire headstays look for corrosion and cracks at
swage fittings and end terminals. Check for abrasion or wire
damage. On rod headstays check for corrosion or damage to the
coldheaded ends and terminals as well as abrasion, nicks or
kinks to the rod.
Headstay condition will vary depending upon climate and use.
As a rule do not reuse wire which has been in saltwater for more
than four seasons, or wire which is more than 6 years old. Rods
generally have a longer life than wire, but evaluate your rod care-
fully before reusing.
■ Cutting Headstay to Length
Before cutting headstay to length, be sure to determine pin-to-pin headstay length and write it on the outside back
cover.
To determine the cut point of a wire or rod, measure up from the lower measurement point of the headstay .