Here are a couple of other considerations. What are pin sizes of your clevis pins? My guess is 3/8". 1/4" is usually 7/16" or 1/2". Doubt if your chain plates would take 1/2". My experience with 2 different 28.5 footers that I have owned is that 7/32" for headstay, backstay, and upper shrouds are very sturdy. 3/16" for lower shrouds is also what I had. (Sabre and C&C)
I experienced a 60 knot microburst with the Sabre at night with full sails up. The shrouds and stays did not break but the 1/2" through bolt for lower shroud tang pulled through the mast and took down the rig rather abruptly.
I experienced a 60 knot microburst with the Sabre at night with full sails up. The shrouds and stays did not break but the 1/2" through bolt for lower shroud tang pulled through the mast and took down the rig rather abruptly.
