forestay

The forestay attaches to the chainplate using a D-shackle. I hate that thing. It's hard to screw in the clevis pin while holding the shackle in place, and tugging on the forestay to keep the mast from falling backwards. And I've dropped that damned pin enough times, that I'm thinking of...

Greetings all, we chanced upon a Capri 14.2 (early 90s model?) and are quite determined to make a go of it. I have 2 questions (so far) #1 How do we replace this centerboard hold down? Is there some sort of toggle? (Pic attached) #2 should the mainstay be a solid cable or a cable lead on each...