In the course of upgrading the mainsheet on my Vision 32, I replaced the stock fiddle block with a simple triple block. That's what started my quest.... The traveler car fitting is a shallow "u" shape of stamped SS. It's about 3/4" across the outside and has a through hole of around 1/4", mybe 5/16". It mated neatly with the fitting on the old fiddle block, (a simple strap) requiring just a clevis pin. I found though that I needed to raise the block (which is much wider than the old one) to clear the traveler control hardware when the car is at the ends of the track and the boom is outboard aways. At first I thought a simple bow shackle woud work, and then I found that one that would span the 3/4" fitting on the car would have a pin diameter the size of my little finger, much too big for the car. Then I found a lash-up of two shackles from my junk box, a stamped and a forged that would do the trick. Then I thought to replace the two with one twisted shackle, and I'm back to the same problem as the bow shackle. Does anyone know of any written work or place on the web that talks about the proper use of shackles & blocks from the nuts & bolts perspective? I can make do with what I've got, but I'd like to better understand the appropriate ways of connecting straps to shackles, blocks and all the other running bits that help make our boats go. Thanks!
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Fittings
Tom Based on your description, you may want to try a long D shackle. It should give you the strength you need, as well as the distance. Suggest you check sailing hardware in a catalog. I've used my "spare parts" in my toolbox for temporary lashings, but have usually purchased new fittings once the "need to fix the short term emergency" was over.
Tom Based on your description, you may want to try a long D shackle. It should give you the strength you need, as well as the distance. Suggest you check sailing hardware in a catalog. I've used my "spare parts" in my toolbox for temporary lashings, but have usually purchased new fittings once the "need to fix the short term emergency" was over.
Take a look here.
Tom: Take a look at Wichard. They are one of the better mfg. of that type of hardware. Hopefully you will find the part you want. http://www.wichard-usa.com/Catalog/index.htm I think you can find anything you want at Swendsens in Alameda.
Tom: Take a look at Wichard. They are one of the better mfg. of that type of hardware. Hopefully you will find the part you want. http://www.wichard-usa.com/Catalog/index.htm I think you can find anything you want at Swendsens in Alameda.
Thanks for the suggestions...
I've also exchanged Email with Harken tech support. They make a toggle for this application that may work, but it is very spendy ($44). There is also a thing called an "upset" shackle that I need to take a closer look at. Finally, I have yet to find any written guidlines for shackle use. Seems it's mostly common sense and hope out there! So, my lash-up seems to be about the best I can do at the moment. I'll take some measurements today and see if anything else fits that I find in my travels.
I've also exchanged Email with Harken tech support. They make a toggle for this application that may work, but it is very spendy ($44). There is also a thing called an "upset" shackle that I need to take a closer look at. Finally, I have yet to find any written guidlines for shackle use. Seems it's mostly common sense and hope out there! So, my lash-up seems to be about the best I can do at the moment. I'll take some measurements today and see if anything else fits that I find in my travels.
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