I forgot to mention that i presently have old 3/32 wire and swages all around that needs changing; to small in my estimation. I might go to 1/4 instead of 7/32. my turnbuckles are 3/8 and I bought good used 1/2 ones already. The present lower is about 10" forward of the upper shroud and I plan to add the additional lower the same distance to the rear. Reason for doing this is the inboard chainplates are fastened to a 3/4 board taped to the hull and are buldging up the deck as there is a cross plate welded to the chainplate that presses to the underside of the deck. I have to work on the chainplates one way or another and adding a second lower would enhance the stability of the rig.

re: splicing. I'm to cheap to buy fittings. I figure that I can do one splice an evening. anyhow, this is a cruiser, not a racer.

I bought the boat a few months ago and really don't trust the rig the way it is.

what inspired me is i saw another 29 with outboard chainplates and it looked nice and traditional.