So, my new headsail arrived and I am a little taken aback to discover that it is fitted with what appear to be stainless steel hanks. It is my understanding that hanks should be bronze so as not to wear on the head stay. Anyone out there use stainless steel hanks? Should I be concerned?
Stainless Steel Hanks
- Thread starter markwbird
- Start date
I was going to suggest that bronze hanks were an indication of how old they were. When they were made there wasn't any better material. Stainless steel is difficult to drill because it is notoriously soft, so the headstay should not be a worry. Your new hanks should be significantly lighter than bronze ones, making hoisting easier.
Never seen a bronze headstay. Lots of bronze hanks, though. Not sure that is correct.
Vast majority of hanks available today are bronze. The notable exception are the Wichard snap on hanks which are popular because they can be attached with one hand.
a couple of years ago my sailmaker told me that bronze hanks were getting hard to come by. my newer sail's hanks are not as robust as those from the years of yoor.
the sew on style are the only way to go for me. not the bend in style.
i save the hanks off of old sails