Simple mod makes for a happy sailor

[flynhi4u]

I was up reading a blog by the Stingy Sailor the other night and came across a simple idea that I thought was worth while to share to people who trailer sail and take their boat apart a lot or people like us who remove the main sheet from the boom at the end of each sail so we can install the cockpit cover.
The Stingy Sailor installed snap shackles at the boom and sole connections of his main sheet. Sounds simple, and it was as I had a spare snap shackle off the old main halyard. It was so quick and easy to re install the main sheet on the boom then to take it off again when we got back in. I was disappointed in myself of not thinking of that sooner. No more fiddling with those little cotter rings each time. Totally worth it!
I am ordering another one for the lower connection. Now when we step or lower the mast we can quickly attach and detach the main sheet from the mast raising pole.

Sam

 

[Stu Jackson]

That's a good idea, although I tend to dislike snap shackles because they can open unexpectedly. Simple captive D shackles are more robust and just as easy to use, which is what I did on our C22. I refuse to have any snap shackles on my boat.

 

[Justin_NSA]

I used snap shackles on my baby stays at the bail on the mast. Eezy peezy.

 

[flynhi4u]

Stu, thanks for the heads up. I will check out the captive d shackle. I don't care what kind I use as long as they are strong enough and reliable enough for the job. I am just tired of messing with that cotter ring each time.

Sam

 

[Stu Jackson]

Sam, you're welcome.

http://www.westmarine.com/buy/ronstan--forged-d-shackles--P002_060_004_004

 

[Joe]

I think snap shackles are very expensive and unnecessary for this application.
Rather than clevis pins and cotter rings... try a quick release pin... there are a few types... pictured below is the standard pull ring and the collared push button. I used the all the time on my Nacra .....the collar on the push button type has a small hole for a wire security pendant. I never had one fail... Obviously, the pin must be sized to the fitting. Price ranges from $5 to $12

 

[Gene Neill]

My sheet attaches to the boom with a carabiner.

 

[flynhi4u]

I will have to measure the pin size I need for the sheet connection on the cockpit floor. It is a rather small pin, probably a bit larger than 1/8" The hex end of the main sheet is drilled and goes down in the floor fitting then gets pinned in place. Not sure I could use a shackle there anyway without a lot of slop on the connection. A quick pin or a pin with a bail retainer would probably be best there. I don't mess with that connection but a couple times a year when we take down and set back up so not the end of the world there but the top fitting gets attached and removed each sail so a quick connection there is more important to me.
Thanks for all the ideas.

Sam

 

[Tom G P-21]

When I was rigging my boat for trailer sailing I came up with three items that sped up the set up and take down process. Two that have already been mentioned.

Snap shackle on the mainsheet. I ordered them from Marine parts Depot, had them for three years now and fine for my 21 ft sailboat.
http://www.marinepartdepot.com/shackle.html

Quick pin on the boom that joe mentioned and leaving the sail on the boom.

Finally using a drop nose or toggle pin on the forestay. I'll never forget the first time I was setting up and watching the clevis ring bouncing away down the boat ramp never to be seen again, while trying to keep the forestay in tension. Fortunately we had spares but they were buried in the boat. Make sure to get the right size so the toggle is in compression. Available here at SBO.

http://shop.sailboatowners.com/prod.php?13390

 

[Kermit]

My mainsheet has toggles on both ends. I remove the sheet from the traveler and attach it to a stantion base and pull the boom over to the side when we're not sailing. This frees up LOTS of cockpit space. I've come to envy those with travelers over the companionway.

 

[flynhi4u]

It is amazing how far a cotter ring will go once it hits the ground!

Sam

 

[John23883]

I have snap shackles on both ends of the main sheet. That allows easy connection and disconnection to the gin pole and shackle in the anchor locker for mast raising and then easy connection to the boom. Also as Kermit says, I pop it over the safety line and attach it to the base of the stanchion, then it doesn't go boom on my head and gets it out of the way to raise the bimini. With the snap shackle that's fast and easy. No tools as well.

 

[Stu Jackson]

With the snap shackle that's fast and easy. No tools as well.

John, I'll say it again: snap shackles can open all by themselves. If you're willing to have that happen, go right ahead. I'm just tryin' to help out. I had a snap shackle let go when I was up in a bosuns chair. Never again.

No tools required for a D shackle either.

 

[JohnVTX]

I used snap shackles on my baby stays at the bail on the mast. Eezy peezy.

Snap shackles should not even be in a bag on a boat. Get rid of them.

 

[Justin_NSA]

Snap shackles should not even be in a bag on a boat. Get rid of them.

Opinions aside, they have their uses.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Opinions aside, they have their uses.

1. Everything written on these forums is an opinion!

2. When it comes to SAFETY then John is 100% correct.

We're just trying to get the newbies and those who ask questions to understand the ramifications of their choices of hardware.

 

[Justin_NSA]

That's all well and good, but to say snap shackles don't belong on a boat doesn't help anyone.

 

[Joe]

That's all well and good, but to say snap shackles don't belong on a boat doesn't help anyone.

Must agree with you Justin. Snap shackles have a place on my boat for specific uses. NOW what absolutely doesn't belong on a well found sailboat is ...... wait for it Stu............ Winchers.

 

[jssailem]

What is wrong with winchers. They look like the hamburger of the steak world.

 

[Stu Jackson]

...... wait for it Stu............ Winchers

Thanks, Joe, for that one. I got to use more emoticons in one reply than ever before!!!

For those of you who are new around here, Joe and I have been having an "interesting" discussion about Winchers for the past decade or two!

Do a search on Winchers and read away!