Yes,

I didn't really want the painter so I put a bronze bolt through in its place that has a ring on either end.  Initially I made the forestay so that the jib would set at the same point that it would if a painter was used.

However, after one trip out trying to raise the mast out on the water I realized how difficult and sketchy it was because I had to move most of my body around the mast to try and connect the forestay.  Doing so made the boat fairly unstable, a decent wave could have easily come over the bow.

To remedy that I attached a pulley to the inside ring at the bow and attached a cleat at the bottom of the daggerboard box.  So I now connect the forestay to a line that allows me to comfortably raise the mast on the water and cleat the forestay in position.  

I will try to share some photo's when I get a chance.

Austin

   Interesting Idea, photos would be great! I am going to be starting a Dory build soon, and i just dont like the idea of putting a hole through the bow for some reason.