Halyard

[All U Get]

Hi all,
I'm going to use a 7/16 line for a halyard and would like to splice it on a shackle. The problem is the vendors don't make it obvious enough to determine the proper size. Harken, Schaefer, or Wichard really don't say for this size line. Maybe I just don't see it but the associate at West Marine didn't have a good response either.
The conversions from mm to inches bugs me too. Maybe they really don't want to sell this stuff. OK I'm better now.
All U Get

 

[kenn]

I would just buy a shackle whose working load is at or above the working load of the line... or is this approach too simple?

 

[shemandr]

Try Layline or Annapolis Performance Sailing. Their rigging services are that expensive and they'll provide the right shackle.
http://www.apsltd.com/
http://www.layline.com/home.php
What line are you going to use for the halyard? I'm replacing my jib halyard this season.

 

[Bill Murray]

Also make sure that it is big enough to go over/around/through the fittings at the head of your sail....

 

[Steve Dion]

The primary issue is the line size and the sheaves in the mast. If you line is too large you will not be able to raise the main even with a winch. You can alway cut off the shackle and splice another one.

 

[Benny]

Get a shackle that fits the sail and is strong enough for the task, then tie a bowline on it and sew the end to the bow.

 

[All U Get]

Try Layline or Annapolis Performance Sailing. Their rigging services are that expensive and they'll provide the right shackle.
http://www.apsltd.com/
http://www.layline.com/home.php
What line are you going to use for the halyard? I'm replacing my jib halyard this season.

Thanks Shemander,
I am setting up an assymetrical spinnaker and have parts enough, but I wanted to get shackle that would finish off the line without a big gomping knot. There is a swivel shackle on the head of the sail so I just need one to fit the 7/16 line. Thanks for the web help.
All U Get

 

[shemandr]

Sounds like fun. Have a great season. I'm getting so psyched - first Wed PM next week. Its going to be painful - but in a good way. Oh and not on my boat - its still covered and on the hard.

 

[Hermit Scott]

Hi all,
I'm going to use a 7/16 line for a halyard and would like to splice it on a shackle. The problem is the vendors don't make it obvious enough to determine the proper size. Harken, Schaefer, or Wichard really don't say for this size line. Maybe I just don't see it but the associate at West Marine didn't have a good response either.
The conversions from mm to inches bugs me too. Maybe they really don't want to sell this stuff. OK I'm better now.
All U Get

I replaced mine with 3/8" line. Maybe I could have went bigger?
I see you don't have any blocks on theose tracks on top of the cabin. Do you not use those tracks? What sized head sail do you normally use?

 

[kenn]

I am setting up an asymmetrical spinnaker and have parts enough, but I wanted to get shackle that would finish off the line without a big gomping knot. There is a swivel shackle on the head of the sail so I just need one to fit the 7/16 line.

All I can say in praise of the big gomping knot is that it's alot faster to do (and re-do), and that it doesn't have the thickened body of the spliced eye that could jam up nicely in the top sheave...

 

[All U Get]

All I can say in praise of the big gomping knot is that it's alot faster to do (and re-do), and that it doesn't have the thickened body of the spliced eye that could jam up nicely in the top sheave...

Hi Kenn,
My winter project is to add an assymetrical spinnaker which included a crane, block, and assorted pieces parts. I'll send along a picture of the block. Since the mast is down for the winter, I want to get everything together before the rush. The picture was last year doing a raft up with friends. It is midnight, was Leno too boring?
All U Get

 

[All U Get]

I replaced mine with 3/8" line. Maybe I could have went bigger?
I see you don't have any blocks on theose tracks on top of the cabin. Do you not use those tracks? What sized head sail do you normally use?

Hi Hermit,
Those tracks are for close haul and are a PITA. In order to run a line to them, I have to either rethread the sheet to the Genny or undo the lifeline. I need an extra standing snatch block for that track so I can enter the line without pulling the sheet out of the other blocks. Since those snatch blocks are expensive I just make due by drinking. No, I redo the sheets while my wife tries to keep me awake by gybing.
All U Get

 

[Joe]

Using the inside track, build a halyard

Hi Hermit,
Those tracks are for close haul and are a PITA. In order to run a line to them, I have to either rethread the sheet to the Genny or undo the lifeline. I need an extra standing snatch block for that track so I can enter the line without pulling the sheet out of the other blocks. Since those snatch blocks are expensive I just make due by drinking. No, I redo the sheets while my wife tries to keep me awake by gybing.
All U Get

I offered an opinion to hermit on the inside track last week... don't use them unless they make a big difference. But if you insist... rig the inside track with it's own sheets, so if you want to use them simply tie on to the clew after the sail is set in the outside position. Then you can tension the inside, while easing the outside. Just remember to untie it before tacking. You could use a quick release shackle, but they are pretty expensive. Another obstacle will be the shrouds... If using a small headsail you may improve performance by bringing the sails inside... but it may not be worth the effort. A big genny will works best on the outside track, that's why the call it the genoa track.

Regarding the spinnaker halyard. Consider building a tapered halyard.. say a 1/4 hi tech core such as AmSteel Blue by Samson http://www.apsltd.com/c-1492-AmSteelBlue-Samson.aspx or Ultrex 12 by Yale http://www.apsltd.com/c-1489-ultrex-12-yale.aspx , with an inexpensive 3/8 cover such as this Samson product http://www.apsltd.com/c-1570-CoverOnly-Yale.aspx over the area of the halyard that will be handled and cleated (About half the total length). Then it would be very simple to splice a large eye in the single braid core to easily attach a shackle to the end, luggage tag style. (see below) If you investigate the Annapolis Performance Sailing site you will see a good description with some rope options. There are splicing instrutions on the Samson website regarding the single braid eye splice and how to bury the cover into the core... also called a taper splice. The rope specs will show the 1/4 dyneema single braids to rate double the strength of a 7/16 dacron double braid such as New England Sta Set.

Your benefit is a super strong, easy running, lighweight halyard of such quality that it will give your boat style, grace and function.

12 Strand 'Luggage Tag' Splice

Applies to single braids (Vectrus 12, Ultrex 12 and AmSteel 12) or the uncovered cores of high tech double braids (Crystalyne, V2, Maxibraid Plus, D2 and Warp Speed). Basically, a large eye splice that attaches like a luggage tag to a suitcase handle. Use it to attach your halyard shackle for convenient replacement, or to securely attach a sheet directly to a sail's tack or clew, avoiding the weight of a shackle. Includes Whiplock™. This splice will consume two feet of line, so make sure your order your line long enough.
To ensure your specific rigging needs are communicated correctly, please call us at 800-729-9767 with your requirements.
APS Part Number: RIGEYE12S
Rigging Charge: $12.00 per splice

 

[All U Get]

Hi Joe,
Thanks for ideas on the inside track.

I offered an opinion to hermit on the inside track last week... don't use them unless they make a big difference. But if you insist... rig the inside track with it's own sheets, so if you want to use them simply tie on to the clew after the sail is set in the outside position. Then you can tension the inside, while easing the outside. Just remember to untie it before tacking. You could use a quick release shackle, but they are pretty expensive. Another obstacle will be the shrouds... If using a small headsail you may improve performance by bringing the sails inside... but it may not be worth the effort. A big genny will works best on the outside track, that's why the call it the genoa track.

I actually would sit on the cabin and pull the genny in by hand and could feel the difference. I've been debating buying a car for the track and using a snap shackle to the clew. I would find a way to tension it without releasing the original sheet because I have blocks like Hermit's that only take a single line.
As soon as I find a thimble, I'll splice my line. Thanks for the websites. That rumble wasn't another earthquake, just someones foot coming down.

All U Get

12 Strand 'Luggage Tag' Splice

 

[cephius (Dave)]

All U Get,
Call me old school. I use waxed thread to secure a line to a shackle or hook.

 

[Alan]

You're going about this the wrong way.
First, are you SURE you can fit a 7/16" line through the mast sheave? Plenty of skippers have problems hoisting and lowering sails because they chose too large a size line.
Choose the line size for the job and loading. For example, if 5/16" (8mm) works no need to go bigger.
Second, I would use a long eye splice to install the shackle. That will allow you to remove and install the shackle without the need to cut the line.

 

[sailingdog]

Unless that thread is highly UV tolerant, you may be in for a rude awakening one day soon. A seizing like that is only as strong as the thread used.

All U Get,
Call me old school. I use waxed thread to secure a line to a shackle or hook.

 

[shemandr]

Not to beat it to death but for me the controlling dimension for my halyard size is the line size the stopper is rated for. I have downsized a line dimension based on the superior properties of modern line and found the stopper could not hold it. Oops! So I have a dinghy painter that could tow a Grady White with 4 stroke Hondas on it.

 

[sailingdog]

LOL... impressive painter.

Not to beat it to death but for me the controlling dimension for my halyard size is the line size the stopper is rated for. I have downsized a line dimension based on the superior properties of modern line and found the stopper could not hold it. Oops! So I have a dinghy painter that could tow a Grady White with 4 stroke Hondas on it.

 

[Dave Groshong]

I'll be happy to recommend the correct size, are you interested in the thimble shackle, or snap shackle?

We have 3 different ways to order running rigging, all at competitive pricing using Samson rope, Wichard and Ronstan shackles. Our rig shop is experienced and fast.

http://shop.sailboatowners.com/detail-rigging.htm

Dave Groshong
SailboatOwners.com
877-932-7245 x116, Mon-Fri, 9-5 Pacific.