How are you guys attaching to the corners of the spin? I'm envisioning the spin halyd/retrieval line tapered to 1/8" vectran or dyneema. Possibly the same for the spin sheet. Splice to a shackle? What kind of shackle? Tie on with a bowline? Other tricks?
Also, appropriate blks for the the end of the pole and the halyd blk above the hounds? I've been using Harken wire blks with 1/8" line with no problems (can't remember if it was the 1" or 1.5" blks). Will the 29 mm carbos hold up to the spin loads (rated at 330lbs)? Be nice not to have the metal blk up there banging on the carbon mast (UHMW or teflon tape?). What blks are you guys using at the main beam and tack line with the one line hoist system? Seems like they must be seeing the same loads as the pole tip and spin head.
Thanks!

Dave
New to me F18HT I can't even play with til March!

Sheet: push it through the hole, make a 8 knot. Repeat for the other sheet. I use a 8mm salsa line for sheets.

For the two other corners I simply use a bowline with a small bit of tape to prevent the tail from slipping.

I do not have a block at the end of my pole, just a plastic plug with a hole in it, the line going from the spin through the hole and coming back out of the pole next to the snuffer.

I'm using harken 29mm carbo on top of the mast and on the beam, they haven't broken yet... The line is a 6mm dyneema core line from Marlow.

Line through the hole, tie square knot in the end of the line. Then tie a figure eight around the sail corner. Square knot keeps the figure eight from slipping and the whole arrangement is very low profile taking up very little length. If hoist height is not a problem, bowlines are the way to go.

For sheets, they're usually sized large enough that you can put them through the hole and simply tie a figure eight stopper in the end of it to keep it from pulling back through. Again, low profile is key to keep them from snagging the forestay and such during gybes.

Would you explain this, please? I thought a square knot linked two lines. How can you tie a square in the end of just one line?

I think he meant an overhand knot, ie. once around and through, but you can just do that twice, and the knot will keep it from slipping out of the second knot. Takes up much less space and line than the standard bowline, but it is a little harder to untie, not too hard, just a little harder as it sets tighter if you have really put some stress on it. Plyers will pull it out. I think they call it an "Italian Bowline" or something like that. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> No offence to our brothers in Italy.

David:

Here is every knot you'll ever need to tie. Just sit back and watch.
http://www.animatedknots.com/
Tried to call you numerous times and just got recorder. Left a lot of messages. See you after the first of the year.

Doug

Yeah - overhand knot - sorry.....damn, they're going to revoke my badge.

You were a girl scout?
I'm sure Chris Zander has a picture of you (Jake) in your girl scout uniform, RIGHT CHRIS??????? <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />