"Wayne.B" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 14 Mar 2006 00:31:35 -0600, sherwindu
wrote:

All these horror stories makes me wonder. I have used snap shackles for
35 years
and never had the slightest problem.

You've been fortunate. There are actually conditions where some snap
shackles are able to flog themselves open just from inertial forces.
I had one set that needed to have extra strong springs installed on
the shackle pin because it was happening too routinely.

Having the release pin or its lanyard snag on something is another
proven shackle opener.

We had a situation on one of our boats where that happened at the tack on a
jib. It was a few years ago... the halyard wasn't all the way up and was
bouncing up and down enough to pop the shackle. I believe the shackle was
defective, so I'm not sure if that was the reason or if it would have
happened anyway.

--
"j" ganz @@
www.sailnow.com

On Tue, 14 Mar 2006 12:02:58 -0800, "Capt. JG"
wrote:

I believe the shackle was
defective, so I'm not sure if that was the reason or if it would have
happened anyway.

Probably not defective strictly speaking, just a spring too weak for
the flogging forces generated. My issue was on spinnaker halyards if
memory is correct. When the wind was blowing hard the spinnaker would
get about halfway up, and poof, the shackle would magically open. I
originally assumed that the shackle had not been properly closed or it
was some kind of weird one-time event but after several more fiascos
it became clear that the shackle was actually opening under its own
volition. The cure was a stronger spring which fortunately my rigger
had in stock.

Invented. Equiplite shackles. Pricey, used on A-Cup, Volvo and Gran
Prix racers.

See: http://www.hallspars.com/Store/R_Equiplite.htm

Barient used to make one of the best called a J-Lock but they are out of business.

Still available; Tylaska's making them now.

Barient used to make one of the best called a J-Lock but they are out of business.

Still available, Tylaska's making them now. Best thing about 'em is
they'll pass through jib fairlead blocks when reeving sheets, as
they're not much bigger than line diameter.

Also there's a new kid on the block, same idea called Presslock
shackles. See:

http://www.vcperformancerigging.com/... &riPageID=33

On Tue, 14 Mar 2006 15:08:04 +0000, Gary wrote:

Climbers use a double figure eight with a long tail. Anyone going up
the mast should as well. The bowline is the wrong knot.

The difference is there's enough tension on a jib sheet to keep a bowline
tight. A climber's safety line is slack most of the time, so a bowline
can shake loose. This is why climbers use figure eights. They're also
easier to untie. After catching a fall, a bowline could be too difficult
for a climber to untie as well.

The problem with a double figure eight is the weight and bulk. It catches
on shrouds, and can be as bad as a metal shackle when flogging around. I
know because I've tried it.

If you have to use a knot to tie your jibsheets on, a bowline is the way
to go, unless your cringle is small enough for a stopper knot to work.
Even then, a bowline is probably better, except in rare cases.

Matt O.

Matt O'Toole wrote:
On Tue, 14 Mar 2006 15:08:04 +0000, Gary wrote:


Climbers use a double figure eight with a long tail. Anyone going up
the mast should as well. The bowline is the wrong knot.


The difference is there's enough tension on a jib sheet to keep a bowline
tight. A climber's safety line is slack most of the time, so a bowline
can shake loose. This is why climbers use figure eights. They're also
easier to untie. After catching a fall, a bowline could be too difficult
for a climber to untie as well.

The problem with a double figure eight is the weight and bulk. It catches
on shrouds, and can be as bad as a metal shackle when flogging around. I
know because I've tried it.

If you have to use a knot to tie your jibsheets on, a bowline is the way
to go, unless your cringle is small enough for a stopper knot to work.
Even then, a bowline is probably better, except in rare cases.

Matt O.
I wasn't trying to convince anyone to use figure eights on sheets but to
use them when going up the mast.

I am firmly in the bowline camp on sheets.

Gary