Well, an eventful sail today. We demasted today because the shackle attaching the chain plate to the bridle wires popped off and down came the mast. I am not sure what size shackle this was and I will have to order the shackle via the internet (since we don't have a sailboat shop in our town).

Can someone tell me the size shackle I need to order? None of my spares fit. I have a midweek sail this Wednesday and I sure would like to get a replacement soon. I still can't figure out how it came loose. I tightened that sucker down at the start of the season. I have had kids mess with my boat is storage before but my guess is it just came loose. At least the mast comes down in slow motion!

I appreciate the help.

Cheers
Bob Klein

According to the the Hobie parts catalog at http://www.hobiecat.com/sailing/index.html it's a 6.4 mm shackle.

TThanks Mike, I found it in the catalog (upon reading your post).

I wanted to ask a question of you seasoned sailors. I want to have a good supply of shackles of useful sizes in my sailing box. Since I am going to make this order over the Internet, can someone tell this novice what sizes and designs have proven the most useful in your parts box? I can dig through the parts catalog and pick out sizes but I was hoping someone has had more experience then me with both shackles and also pins.

Thanks in advance!

Bob
P.s I had a windsurfer come up to me at Lake Travis yesterday and ask how many people the Wave could handle. He stated that having watched us sail, he regretted having bought his last board since he can't take anyone sailing with him. "looks like alot of fun". Of course, he must not have seen me swimming the boat to shore after demasting.

I'll bet Rick, with all his Wave experience, can not only tell you what sizes to buy but he'll also give you part numbers, pricing and box up the order. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />