How to fit jackstays??

[Boomshanka]

I've got two 25mm wide 'webbing' jackstays to fit... they are too long so I was thinking of getting our local sailmaker to redo a loop on the end to get the length right... however how do I attach them to the boat... I was thinking of using 5mm rope to tie them onto the push and pulpit at deck level... any other suggestions greatfully received.

 

[Thistle]

The cost of jackstays is largely in the sailmaker's labour. The materials cost comparatively little. So why not get the sailmaker to make up a new set to fit your boat? That way you know they'll fit and you'll be able to have confidence in them for a season or two (until wear and tear and UV do their worst.)

I prefer to put a shackle through the loop and a rope tie through the shackle. That prevents the rope crushing / wearing the webbing. Ask your sailmaker what they advise as it may affect the length of the webbing used.

 

[PeterGibbs]

Better fixed with larger D shackles if possible.

Some folks keep them in postiton all season long. Lo and behold the sun doth rot them speedily! You were warned!

PWG

 

[Beadle]

I would consider looking at an alternative point to attach the jackstays.

Push and pulpits are not that strong and there can be a considerable load on the attachment points if someone goes over - particularly if the boats is sailing at speed.

Falling in is bad enough but a new pulpit is expensive!

 

[kiwikol]

I make mine off to horn cleats at bow and stern the same way as one makes off a mooring line. That way I can actually adjust them when they get wet and stretch (and they do!), or get dry and get taught. And when I’m not using the boat offshore they get taken off and so don’t suffer from UV. I can't understand why some folk leave them on deck to rot away.

 

[rob2]

Actually don't forget that the jackstays shouldn't be too snug a fit. If they are fitted exact length between mountings, it increases the loading on the webbing, if called into play. Some slack is to be advised. The mounting should be to a strong point, as already mentioned. Mooring cleats should be substantial enough - or else u-bolts need to to have good backing plates to spread the load.

 

[MoodySabre]

I have stainless steel D rings on each end and a shackle from that on to the toe rail at the bow and a handy D ring at the aft.

A good idea is to put a stainless steel ring or two on the webbing each side of the boat. You clip on to the ring which slides easily along the webbing.

 

[Cloven]

Second the separate D-ring deck fittings at each end making sure that below deck is strengthened at that point. Rings on the pushpit/pulpit fittings are just not strong enough. Also heed the comment above about not leaving them out all summer. We just fit ours when we arrive and take them off each time we leave the boat.

 

[flyingscampi]

I bought Safeolina jackstays from mailspeedmarine.com

They are adjustable at one end and have a loop at the other which I used a wide D shackle on.

I strung them between two safety points fore and aft.

 

[Rivers & creeks]

Is a chain plate strong enough?

 

[kds]

Their function is to keep you on board, so fit them as close to the centre line as possible - NOT along the sidedeck. You can even run forward holding the clip on the end of you harness as it slides up the (central) lazy jack.
Ken

 

[Boomshanka]

As ever, some great insights and advice from the forum. Many thanks, I've now got a clear idea of what to do at the weekend.

Much appreciated.

 

[damo]

Actually the cost can be entirely the cost of the materials - tape can be bought off the reel.

If you are making up your own, or shortening readymades, then a tape knot puts an loop exactly where you need it. This is basically an overhand knot, but the tail should be stitched down to prevent it working loose before it eventually beds in.

There will be a lot of flack about this I'm sure, but it is what I use on my boat. And remember that before tape stitching was developed climbers used this tape knot for many years very successfully, and falls onto climbing gear are MUCH more common than being arrested by jackstays (often several times a climb!)

 

[Twister_Ken]

"A good idea is to put a stainless steel ring or two on the webbing each side of the boat. You clip on to the ring which slides easily along the webbing."

Then you are relying on the strength of the s/s ring to keep you aboard, rather than the jackstay. So make sure the ring is beefy enough.

 

[tom52]

As well as taking them off when not is use, make canvas sleeves to fit over the stitching that makes the loops.

The UV destroys the stitching long before it weakens the jackstays.

 

[davies]

Exactly - the tape knot is simple and totally reliable provided that the ends are stitched so that it can't work loose.