I like Bob's idea of changing out for all line and doing away with the wire. There was even more of a cluster on my main halyard than I initially described: Small shackle permanently attached to the wire. Block attached to the shackle. Snap shackle attached to the rope, which wound around the block and then the snap shackle clipped back on the rope. Thus, the battle of the bulge up top. I don't know why I ignored it so long! As a temporary measure, today I removed all the "middleware" so that I just have the mainsheet tied to the shackle on the wire with a buntline hitch. That particular knot is reputed to be very secure even when a line is flapping around. What would be better would be an eye splice, and If I had Larry Yake's talent in that department I would try it. BUT, I found out about a product made in Washington State called a SplicingNut. It allows one to make an eye splice on a halyard with a few twists. Very cool. Also not cheap. Looks like my masthead sheave will accomodate 1/4" line with a little coaxing; 3/16" maybe would be easier. That's where I need to go, but I may try this splicing nut idea and see how it works out. Anyone ever use one? http://www.splicingnut.com/ Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm sailing from Grand Ave. ramp Alameda tomorrow if anyone in the NorCal area wants to join. Neil