Connecting dyneema core halyard to shackle

[dave_and_dd]

Hi all, replacing my mains'l halyard with a dyneema core line and wondering thoughts on best attachment method to D shackle. I'm guessing an eye splice would generally be best but I have concern over the enlarged line as the tail tapers resting in and over the sheve at masthead.

Any thoughts?
Dave in Port Charlotte

 

[Joe]

This is what I've been using. The Halyard Hitch I used to build a "luggage tag" eyesplice (long loop, makes it easy to remove shackle without cutting the line). but the halyards I've always built for my boat are "tapered". That's where the dyneema core is only covered on the back half of the halyard that is handled, cleated and winched. The single braid eyesplice is super easy to build. If you're using a double braid line like Samson warpspeed and you haven't stripped the cover as described above, then definately use the knot rather than hassle with an eyesplice. Another comment, using dyneema cored line allows you to step down a size of two when replacing polyester line. Thinner line means less friction and smoother operation.

 

[jssailem]

on @Joe 's recommendations.

 

[dave_and_dd]

Halyard knot sounds like the thing to do. Had always heard knots don't hold as well in Hi-Tech lines but I guess that doesn't apply if it has polyester cover?

Actually planning on using New England ropes Viper which is an XHMPE core.

Anyone have experience with it?

Thanks,
Dave

 

[garymalmgren]

Hi Dave.
Halyard hitch will do the job.
Do your self a favor and go for proper halyard shackles.
I can't understand why you would use anything else.

 

[dave_and_dd]

Hi Dave.
Halyard hitch will do the job.
Do your self a favor and go for proper halyard shackles.
I can't understand why you would use anything else.

Hi Gary, I called it a D shackle, but the above pic is exactly what I have.

Thanks,
Dave

 

[FastOlson]

Regarding a concern about the line slipping thru the knot, we have used the "halyard hitch" for about 20 years, but also whip/seize the protruding end of the line to the standing part just to additionally keep it secure. It's nice to be able to bring down the halyard every couple years, replaced temporarily with a light line, and launder the high-$ halyard to get the dirt and etc out of it. (and to end-for-end it, too)

 

[thinwater]

Hi Dave.
Halyard hitch will do the job.
Do your self a favor and go for proper halyard shackles.
I can't understand why you would use anything else.
View attachment 211556

Oh dear. Will this become an "anchor thread?"

I can think of reasons for many different attachments and use each if them, each where it is the best fit. For example, if cover wear is a problem anywhere (jammer or mast top), a knot makes it easy to shift the wear point every 6 months. If you are knotting rather than splicing, why bother with the shackle (unless you hace some frequent reason to remove the halyard)? A knot also allows for a higher hoist in some cases, if the sheeves are too small to pass the splice bulge. A halyard shackle is better if you have a reason to remove the halyard frequently or if the headboard or furler attachment is sharp, but a snap shackle is nice for reaching headsails, and a spliced-in soft shackle can save grams.

Horses for courses.