Main halyard shackle

[Paul Ducham]

What shackle do you use for the head of your furling main?

I'm in the process of purchasing a 310 from the estate of the former owner. The main halyard has been stored for winter using a hook-shaped piece of hardware to attach it to the bottom of the furling mechanism. I'm assuming the hook was the former owner's improvised method for securing the halyard for storage. It doesn't look like a reliable part to raise and secure the main. But I'm also worried about replacing it with something that might get stuck at the top of the furler.

 

[smokey73]

Pictures!

 

[shemandr]

As far as I know replacing a halyard shackle with a hook or other hardware isn't a standard practice for winter layup. Replacing the halyard with a messenger line is done by some fastidious owners. It is done to protect the halyard from UV damage and chafe.
To partially answer your question headboard shackle looks like this:

Thimbal Headboard Shackles | West Marine

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www.westmarine.com

They don't always have the plastic part but note that forks are elongated over other shackles to allow the shackle pin to reach the headboard hole. Some headboards have two holes and the shackle should be able to use either. And, the shackle pin should be threaded and ideally be captive.
I like a splice to the shackle because it's clean. Some posters may think the splice jams more easily. A question of taste I think.

 

[capta]

Since my furling main had no headboard and the halyard remained aloft for an extended period, I used a D shackle with a cotter key and flat head pin.

 

[Paul Ducham]

Thanks!

After posting my question, I found the 310 furling mast hand book from Charleston Spar. It says, "the headboard swivel has a top and bottom schackle. it is best to put the main halyard eye splice direct to the top shackle. The lower shackle receives the mainsail. The swivel is the guide for the furling rod in the upper section.

Unfortunately, the hand book doesn't provide a part number or dimensions for the swivel shackle.

 

[Hayden Watson]

I have replaced all my halyard shackles with Dyneema soft shackles