Should Jib / Main bitter end be secured?

[Walt L]

I have winches and horn cleats on the mast of my C27. The ends of my halyards are not secured in any way such that when I lower either sail and then let go the halyard to hand the sail, the halyard can fly with the wind. Should I secure the bitter end to the horn cleat? I feel that this would complicate the coiling of the halyard when stowing it. When I am on the water changing sail or reefing I need to leave the halyard free so that I can pull on the sail but this leaves the halyard vulnerable. How do the rest of you deal with loose halyards?

 

[Rob Rich]

Figure 8 knot in halyard

Hi Walt, I have the same setup on my C-27. I take the halyard and run it through the middle of the cleat and then tie a figure 8 stopper knot on the end of it. This allows the halyard to function normally, but will not allow it fly and run up the mast.Hope this helps!Best Regards,Rob

 

[Phil]

What he said

Same setup, here. The bitter end of my halyard goes through the cleat, which I have tied off with a Fig. 8 knot. Works like a charm.

 

[Walt L]

Thanks Phil and Rob R.

Thanks Phil and Rob. I will do that. It should be better than having it free.