Currently I'm using the little stamped shackles that use a split ring to hold the pin in. Removing my 6:1 is a pain in the butt, I lose the split rings.

I'm much too cheap for the quick release pins, so I want to just order a couple D shackles that use a threaded pin. My question is, that when searching the Catsailor online store, I am seeing two different kinds. One with a "self locking non captive pin" and one with a "self locking captive pin."

Which one do I want? It looks like I need a 3/16 to hang my blocks. Honestly I probably don't need anything that heavy. My old seaways had these flimsy little stamped ones with a threaded pin.

http://store.catsailor.com/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=8311


What about for attaching my jib tack to the chainplate? I figure I ought to have a couple spares.

And when ordering from the store, I'm not seeing an option to select the size on these items.

without captive pins, you'll have the same problem as with the damnit-rings. Drop it in the sand and wave bye bye! Get shackles with captive pins whenever possible - the pins can only be loosened and slid back but will not come all the way out - the threads won't clear the through hole in the slack side. Sometimes, however, you might have clearance issues with the captive pin shackle and whatever you are pinning since some of the pin stays in the opening in the shackle.

hmmmm. I like the idea of the captive shackle, but......I don't think it will clear the round part on the block.


For the jib tack, will a 1/4" captive shackle clear the chain plate? Anyone have any experience with this. I see no need for the quick release.

On the class x, my grandparents used to tie a spare batten tie through the hole for the seizing wire and wrap it around the shackle.

Sure.... go here:

http://www.wichard.com/documents/stainlessSteel.pdf

Scroll down to the 'shackles' page. There's a nice closeup pic of a locking pin. The nice thing about Wichard shackles is that when one opens the shackle, the pin recedes back into the 'slack' (to use Jake's term) side, so there is a full open I.D.

'Spensive? Yeah, but worth it... and if/when you sell the boat, just keep the Wichards if you want to.

On my 6.0 I attach the main tackle using snap shackles top and bottom. Main system removes from the boat quickly. Put a wrap of tape around the pin part if you're worried about something catching and releasing them.

I attach S hooks (see image) to hang my blocks from the boom. I find a smap shackle best on the travler. It is fast and easy to attach and remove.

I've had an S-Hook open up (ended up looking more like a J) in a big gust with a fat head main on the 6.0. I'm guessing depending on the size of the main you might be fine with one, I don't trust them for that anymore.

A shop magnet (on a stick) in the catbox is standard equipment just for this scenario <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

maybe for a ringding...but 316 stainless isn't magnetic.

WOW.... i have used s-hooks for about 8 years, in several 30+ storms and NEVER seen one bend (I sail a Tornado squartop sail)

Yes its good for ringdings. I didn't mean shackle pins.

As for the s-hooks.. I have to concur on the bending. I've got them on my downhaul for my mainsail and they have to be replaced every season due to the fact that they get stretched.

Perhaps i am using the bigger s-hooks (i know they come in 2 sizes)...

Start of the 2004 C-100, coming out of Galesville into the West River. Lots of carnage, we had the jib furled. As soon as we got to the river from the harbor a gust hit, and we heard a sound like a gunshot and suddenly the mainsheet system was no longer attached to the sail. We noodled across the river until we got into a small protected cove and we ditched the straightened out S-hook for a shackle. Continued on and ultimately won the race.

In the pic below, the red and white sail is us on our way to the cove - notice the sail is about 90 degrees to the boat.



I'm sure it doesn't happen often, but I don't want to chance it on a distance race anymore.

that's the third instance I've heard of it straightening out. Too much gorilla on the mainsheet! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Mmmmm... Mongo like mainsheet!

Mongo changin out S-hooks

While you guys are doing the Tim Allen "man grunt" thing about your straightened S hooks, you failed to notice an important fact:



On a Hobie 16, you can't use anything but a small shackle on the top block and a pin on the lower block and still get as much mast rake as you really want.

So, you mean we should be suggesting a single line external dead-ended at the traveler leading to a cascaded system internal to the boom with a mid-boom exit/sheeting point? Could probably get more rake, and nobody would steal it unless they took the whole boom... Doh! Might not be class legal....

<img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Can you afford a piece of string with a loop to keep the dammit curl pin tied to the boat?
Think, I say again, Think Boy!