I replaced my bolt, too. Then, a year or two later, decided it was supposed to be bent. That way, the side stay load is at almost a right angle to the bolt. And the terminal eye isn't as likely to rub the mast. And the forestay remains centered so it doesn't chafe on the exit slot. Because I never throw anything away, including old, bent bolts, I dug it out and reinstalled it. I feel sure I'm correct about this, but don't have any official knowledge. On the other hand, if Connie, the engineer, thinks the bolt should be straight maybe. . . But, then if all M-15's have a bent bolt . . . he he he . . . Bill Riker M-15 #184 Storm Petrel -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-admin@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-admin@mailman.xmission.com]On Behalf Of chbenneck@juno.com Sent: February 03, 2003 10:11 AM To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Subject: Re: M_Boats: Questions on M15 rigging – Bent bolt Hi Hank, You are correct in your assumption. The bolt is just a standard stainless steel bolt. If the bolt has a bend in it, then there must have been some severe loading on the forestay at some point in time. I had a similar problem, and replaced the bolt on my M15 too. Connie M15 #400 LEPPO _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats