Its funny how history always comes around again.
With the advent of all the hi-tech lines used in sailing , things are reverting back to the old days with thimbles and lashings .Throw away your turnbuckles , blocks , shackles and stays ,all the heavy high maintenance items can now be replaced by string . Over the next few years you will slowly see these high-tech things finding their way onto regular cruising boats .
Regular bow shackles can be replaced with a short piece of Spectra line ,stronger , way lighter ,does not rust and wont ding your deck or smash your toes when kicked.
Turnbuckles can be replaced by lashings of Spectra line .
Blocks can be replaced by thimbles in a lot of instances as the high-tech lines have a very high resistance to chafe .
Stays can be replaced by string as well . More and more race boats are using PBO for standing rigging .
A lot of weight can be saved going to rope and most of the items can be made by any person willing to learn the processes .Check out the pics for some of the things that are used .