Lee Huddleston wrote:
Thanks very much to everyone who responded. I got the problem solved
with much less hassle than I anticipated.

Was your boat built in New Bern? A lot of the SJ21s built there have the
access panel, I think the west coast boats kept the trunk solid for a
few years after.

Local folks have recommended using a galvanized steel cable designed
for a trailer winch rather than trying to use stainless steel.

Galzanized is more flexible and will hold up better. The only issue is
that the galzanizing will break down after a few years and then the rust
cycle starts again... but you've gained some time. Menawhile, now you
know how to replace it!

Fresh Breezes- Doug King

Doug King,

The boat belongs to a friend, but I suspect that you are correct.
There was an access panel on top of the centerboard trunk that made
working on the cable a snap. My late brother had a SJ21 which does
not have the access panel.

Lee Huddleston