The Wichard type of shackles wont self release when tangled in the
teather line, etc. as do mountain climbers caribiners, etc.
(caribiners that dont have a locking 'gate' hinge). To constantly
needing to turn the ferruled hing gate lock on a mountaineers caribiner
every time you 'clip in or out' .... well you just wont do this on a
boat.

Most of such attachement shackles can quickly and surprisingly open
under load if the rope/sling slips and touches the 'gate' of the
shackle. Wichard has worked out this dangerous problem to some extent
.... but its still not foolproof, just a lot safer. You dont want to be
cheap when it comes to deck safety gear .... thats very false economy
that may cost you your life.


In article , Roger Long
wrote:

I think this was discussed recently here but it wasn't on my radar
screen at the time. Apologies if it’s too soon to bring it up again.

Would someone please tell me why standard snap shackles shouldn't be
used for safety harness tethers, at least on a casual cruising boat
where midnight headsail changes and spinnaker dousing isn't part of
the normal drill?

I looked at the double acting Winchard shackles that are supposed to
be the latest and greatest and the designer in me goes "Ugh". Your
fingers are in the way of what you want to clip to and the sharp edges
are going to be hard on jacklines or any other fiber. The tightwad in
me says something even less printable.

Does anyone have another recommendation for a boat where there is very
little deck work or much unclipping and moving around?