Trailerable Boat - Connecting The Furler

[GLR]

I have a 25' boat, mfgd. by Freedom Boat works, in CO. It is trailerable, which is nice, as long as I can figure out how to get it rigged. One "trick" is trying to get the roller furler connected to the bow. Does anyone have any idea how I can get some leverage on the roller, to "stretch" it enough to allow insertion of the clevis pin? I have seen hardware that could be used with a forestay, but there is no room for such stuff below the roller.

[s/v Beth]

On my compac, I reduce the tension on the aftstay enough that I have room to work on the forestay. I keep the stroud stays varly tight. I also have my jibsheet connected to the front- acting like a temporary forstay and keeping the aftsay with tension on it.
Kinda confusing to talk about. When I am doing it it makes perfect sense.

[Drew13440]

Here's a great idea from a guy I've never met but have read his posts elsewhere for years:

If you want an added tip that I've found to be a sweet addition for the guys who step their mast often I'd subtract the size a folding closure on the forestay length. A closure/quick release lever works like a charm to pull the rig into tension without having to over tighten the rig with a gin pole just to get a pin in it. Here's a pic of the closure/lever available at JSI and CSJohnson among others.

Below is a picture of his suggestion. Think about it.