I have just bought a new sail and like most it has the downhaul pulley sewn in. This has been sold to me as a benefit before. I have always cut them off and replaced them with a small shackle so I can use a pulley hook that can be left threaded, saves a lot of rigging time and you can use a 4 pulley hook for extra purchase.
This time I thought I would give it a try. Came home and cut it off. Apart from being able to pull the sail about 15mm closer to the UJ what other advantages do the have?
I've been thinking of doing the same - what pulley do you use? Can you post a photo of it? I've checked out shipping chandlers and haven't found any small ones with a hook on top. The obvious benefit is getting on the water 30 seconds earlier, which doesn't sound like much but sometimes it is.
i got all mt downhaul pulleys from my local shop windforce here in perth nice little 4 pulley job with a hook 
works a treat
works a treat
