Removable mainsheet - what quick release shackle to use?

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West Coast

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My starlight 35 has a mainsheet track fitted just forward of the wheel, with mainsheet tackle connected via conventional shackles to the traveller and boom. I want to be able to remove the mainsheet tackle from the traveller and clip to the toerail when in port (having just bought a cockpit tent).

Looking for advice on the type of snapshackle or similar I should consider using to make this moving operation simpler and easier - would a good sized snapshackle be sufficient?

Cheers
 
I would have thought one of these would do the trick. Exactly the right one will depend on your setup.

http://marine.wichard.com/rubrique-HR_snap_shackles-0202040100000000-ME.html

Suggest you look at the Fixed Eye, Swivel Eye, Large Bail and Clevis Pin Swivel models. Those are the ones I would look at first. A lot will depend on whether you will use it to replace an existing component or add a new component.

You might want to tape them closed for security as there is a small risk they might open if the sheet is left flailing.
 
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Just as BBG says. I know my boat's only half your size West Coast, but the principle's the same. I fitted quick-release boom blocks so I can be rowing in seconds, unobstructed.

Likewise, I plan supporting a boom-tent on the spinnaker pole, slung below the boom, so the mainsheet would be badly in the way.

The quick-release shackles have never yet snagged accidentally, though it might be catastrophic in the kind of weather when such things happen! I'm content to risk it...

...taping them shut rather removes the quick-release benefits! I daresay some kind of open-bottomed cup (like an aerosol lid) could prevent accidental snagging of the ring.

20150415_173609_zpszmotiaic.jpg
 
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Depends how "quick release" you want them. Obviously if you want instant and you use them regularly, taping them shut won't add speed. but a couple of wraps of electrical tape with a folded-over end would only take a couple of seconds to undo.
 
bbg said:
You might want to tape them closed for security as there is a small risk they might open if the sheet is left flailing.
Click to expand...

Personally I would stick with the conventional shackle (possibly one with a captive pin). A few moments with the shackle key when erecting and removing the tent vs. the possibility of it releasing in mid gybe.
 
DJE said:
Personally I would stick with the conventional shackle (possibly one with a captive pin). A few moments with the shackle key when erecting and removing the tent vs. the possibility of it releasing in mid gybe.
Click to expand...

That was my initial reaction too.
 
DJE said:
Personally I would stick with the conventional shackle (possibly one with a captive pin). A few moments with the shackle key when erecting and removing the tent vs. the possibility of it releasing in mid gybe.
Click to expand...

How about a halyard shackle, the kind where the pin has a sort of short lever on the end and you turn it 180 degrees to lock and unlock? That seems more than quick-release enough for a mainsheet, and won't come undone unexpectedly. No shackle key required.

halyard_shackle.jpg


Pete
 
bbg said:
I would have thought one of these would do the trick. Exactly the right one will depend on your setup.

http://marine.wichard.com/rubrique-HR_snap_shackles-0202040100000000-ME.html

Suggest you look at the Fixed Eye, Swivel Eye, Large Bail and Clevis Pin Swivel models. Those are the ones I would look at first. A lot will depend on whether you will use it to replace an existing component or add a new component.

You might want to tape them closed for security as there is a small risk they might open if the sheet is left flailing.
Click to expand...

I have been using these with a swivel eye for at least 20 years. Never had one come undone accidentally but I don't have a tie on the release ring. The mainsheet reversed is my MOB recovery hoist but it is very difficult to operate the 'right' way up.
 
vyv_cox said:
I have been using these with a swivel eye for at least 20 years. Never had one come undone accidentally but I don't have a tie on the release ring. The mainsheet reversed is my MOB recovery hoist but it is very difficult to operate the 'right' way up.
Click to expand...

Interesting - so for a MOB, do you detach the main sheet completely , invert and connect to a halyard?
 
West Coast said:
Interesting - so for a MOB, do you detach the main sheet completely , invert and connect to a halyard?
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I imagine he swings the boom outboard and uses it as a crane jib. It's a common suggestion.

I've done this in the yard for lifting tools and stores on and off, but I find the idea unconvincing for MOB purposes because I expect to need the sheet at that point for its main purpose of controlling the sail.

Pete
 
Have a look at Easyblocks some come with snap shackles, I use them on a 12 ton ketch and they work V well v good price two and yes I use them as a crane.
 
prv said:
I imagine he swings the boom outboard and uses it as a crane jib. It's a common suggestion.

I've done this in the yard for lifting tools and stores on and off, but I find the idea unconvincing for MOB purposes because I expect to need the sheet at that point for its main purpose of controlling the sail.

Pete
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Yes, that's what I do. The concept of sailing to a MOB instead of using the engine seems ludicrous to me. In an emergency controlling the sail would be the last thing on my mind.
 
vyv_cox said:
The concept of sailing to a MOB instead of using the engine seems ludicrous to me.
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Me too. I strap the main amidships, roll in the jib, and start the donk. Never had to do it for a live casualty fortunately, but various hats, shoes, etc over the years make good surprise drills.

vyv_cox said:
In an emergency controlling the sail would be the last thing on my mind.
Click to expand...

Controlling the sail is fairly high up the list in my mind, to prevent it flailing about while I'm trying to rescue someone. A crash gybe onto the shrouds with no sheet connected is probably not a good idea - let alone while you're busy trying to connect the sheet to the person in the water and the boat has pivoted round downwind of them while you weren't looking. Strapping the main hard amidships, with a tight leech that can't move much from side to side, is the quickest way of (mostly, except in strong winds) removing it from the equation.

Pete
 
West Coast said:
Looking for advice on the type of snapshackle or similar I should consider using to make this moving operation simpler and easier - would a good sized snapshackle be sufficient?
Click to expand...

I wouldn't trust a snap shackle on the main. I've seen too many fail over the years when attached to spinnakers, including three in one season on three different boats - one of them cost us a regatta as there was no discard.

Better to use an ordinary shackle and keep a shackle key or pliers handy for moving it to the toe rail.
 
prv said:
How about a halyard shackle, the kind where the pin has a sort of short lever on the end and you turn it 180 degrees to lock and unlock? That seems more than quick-release enough for a mainsheet, and won't come undone unexpectedly. No shackle key required.

halyard_shackle.jpg


Pete
Click to expand...

Good idea. You'd need to check the strength, obviously.
 
I've used a snap shackle for about the last ten years on my HR 34, a bit smaller than the Starlight, and it hasn't failed, yet. It is fairly substantial, and I have lots of ordinary spare shackles, or even line to use in an emergency. I have used halyard shackles previously, but a snap shackle is a bit easier in operation.
 
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