JG, I had a down haul on my I26 and it worked great. I spent a lot of time single handing and did not want to climb on deck to stow the
jib.
I set mine up just as you had outlined.
You will need netting to keep the sail on deck. By sure and run the stantion block out of toe stub area and keep down haul
line tight. A kink from rough seas will prevent it's use. I found out the hard way.
Also don't run the down haul throu the hanks, it will snag and cause you to cuss alot.