I checked today and unlike the Scampi in these pics, mine has the upper and lower that go to the same chain plate, but also has two additional shrouds that go to an additional chain plate that is a foot or so aft of the other one. But there are no shrouds that come down forward of the mast step.
I also spoke with the PO and he told me that the baby stay is original.
So yes, I should keep it. But mine is not like that one in the pictures. It has been replaced with a line and block system, I guess because someone wanted to be able to adjust it. I'm also wondering why two additional shrouds were added aft of the original ones.
Also, I see my mounting system for the chain plates is very different that that shown here, from what little I can see. I was going to start a new thread on that, since I have a very screwy system that I don't like. In a nutshell, one of the shrouds secures to the chain plate cover, not the actual chain plate and the chain plate cover bolts through the deck to a mount under the deck. This all transfers stress to the deck and causes leaks. At least I assume thats the reason for the waterfall under the starboard chain plate cover.
Thanks very much for the link to the pictures! I have been having a very hard time finding information about my Scampi and every bit helps. I'll DL these pics for reference in case the link goes away.
Thanks everyone, I guess I'm stuck with my baby stay
When would it be safe to not use it? Can I remove it for sailing in lighter air or should I keep it all the time?