I am non-competitive, so my outlook is for ease, not speed. My first M15 had bolt rope, and I laboriously changed her over myself, always happy with it. Also closed that wide spot about 3 feet up (easy with a padded flat hammer) and made my own wide spot as low as practical. A big S/S cotter key at the top of the very low slot keeps the boom above it, and likewise all the sail. Much easier to sail for an Old Goat! Don't forget to spray the slot and slugs with Teflon. My #361 came with slugs on the 7-color rainbow sails, so all I had to do with Rejoyce is lower the slot. Works for me. John R. Butler theoldcat@cox.net