Hi Rick, I used a 1/8" line as a jib down haul. My jib had bronze hanks so there was plenty of room between the forestay and the jib hanks for the 1/8" line, with no binding or problems. On deck I had two fairleads that lead the line from a block at the bow fitting back to the cockpit. I would thread the line through the fairleads, through the turning block (a Harken on a swivel); and then I would tie it to the top jib grommet using a bowline. Next I would connect the jib halyard, then the jib hanks - enclosing the 1/8" line. When finished, you just have to be sure that the downhaul can run free as you hoist your jib. The downhaul, as Jerry says, is a great device, and I always used it. If you want the jib down, release the jib halyard, and pull on the jib downhaul. The head of the jib is on deck and isn't going anywhere. If you then pull the jib sheet tight, the jib is on deck and though it may flutter, it can't go anywhere. Connie