Emergency shackle

[lockwood]

I picked up my converted genoa yesterday ready to fit to my new roller reefing kit.

Unfortunately, I forgot to pick up a shackle to attach the bottom of the sail to the roller drum and as it was after 5pm, the chandlers were closed.

Then it hit me..... use a padlock!

The padlock worked perfectly, and also stops any thieving scumbags getting there hands on my genoa.

 

[ChrisE]

Sounds like a grand idea. I hope that the padlock doesn't corrode.....

BTW, I'm in Cardiff (yes, I know, killed a baby in my previous life), let me know where you are and I'll try and steal your genoa....

 

[lockwood]

I only used the padlock as I had nothing else to hand - it will be replaced with a shackle tommorow.

And whats wrong with Cardiff? eh? eh?

 

[ChrisE]

Nothing that a thermo-nuclear device wouldn't cure.

 

[Ships_Cat]

Another alternative which I do is to carry some light Spectra line to use as a temporary/permanent lashing - a couple of turns is as strong as a shackle.

John

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

As a revolutionary idea...... why not carry a spare shackle or two as emergency shackles?

 

[Ships_Cat]

Not very revolutionary for us, we carry those too /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif.

Don't know about in the UK but is actually pretty common practice around here on modern boats to use spectra instead of shackles in some applications.

Regards

John

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Yep... here too... probably stronger... certainly lighter.... and definitely easier to get the right size every time!........

 

[Gunfleet]

Logic problem

So is the spare spectra the spare to the spare shackle or the spare shackle the spare to the spare spectra?

 

[Guest]

Some genny's come with a braided tape to fasten it with, some with eyes, loops of braid etc. etc.

I like the braided loop to fasten it - as in the event of having to cut loose - you can slash it with a knife ....

A lashing is plenty strong enough ... if it wasn't then the sail itself would not be able to stand the stress !!!

 

[Ships_Cat]

Re: Logic problem

The spare Spectra could be used as a spare big shackle to shackle the spare smaller shackles together so's they don't get lost, or if they do get lost you've lost the whole lot including the spare Spectra.

John

 

[Gunfleet]

Seriously for a moment...

which knot do you use on the spectra when it's being used as a spare shackle?
(by the way if one of the shackles on the spare spectra loop is galvi you stand some chance of getting it back if it goes in the drink).