CJ13
Well-Known Member
A properly tied 6mm Dyneema Soft Shackle has a breaking load of around 10tonne.
Why aren’t they used to connect Anchor to Chain?
Why aren’t they used to connect Anchor to Chain?
Soft Shackle to connect Anchor to Chain- why not?
- Thread starter CJ13
- Start date
chris-s
Well-Known Member
Chafe?
dansaskip
Well-Known Member
It would wear through very quickly.
zoidberg
Well-Known Member
One could easily slip on a sleeve of antichafe material....
I think the idea has merit.
I think the idea has merit.
NormanS
Well-Known Member
What do you see as a possible advantage?
CJ13
Well-Known Member
Dyneema is said be excellent against chaffe.
Being very flexible a Soft Shackle would avoid the need ( that some have) for a swivel, though personally I’ve found that a Bow Shackle connection is fine.
Being very flexible a Soft Shackle would avoid the need ( that some have) for a swivel, though personally I’ve found that a Bow Shackle connection is fine.
yotter
Well-Known Member
You could always ask your insurance company if they approve? I will stick with chafe resistant stainless steel, soft shackles do have their place, but probably not on anchor chain. I do use one to attach my strain relief line to take the weight off the windless but consider this as non critical use
CAPTAIN FANTASTIC
Well-Known Member
I use soft shackles (I make them myself using Dyneema) around the boat but I would not use them to hold the anchor to the chain because of chafe. Dyneema is strong and relatively chafe resistant comparing to other rope materials but I don't think it would last long rubbing on chain and anchor.
[70521]
Well-Known Member
Can you do some testing for us?
Neeves
Well-Known Member
Dyneema is not abrasion resistant over rough surfaces. It has been tested.
It has nothing to do with strength and strength and abrasion resistance are independent of each other.
Don't even think about it.
Jonathan
To save me copying and pasting read this thread
Displacement vs Chain MBL
As mentioned I am all for people experimenting - please do so with care (always use a spare rode as you test the idea out) - please report back. The idea comes up with repetitive frequency as people search for yet another application for a soft shackle - strangely no-one has since reported success (and I would say - for obvious reasons).
You could slip on an anti chafe cover, which will possibly be dyneema - but the sand will get between cover and the dyneema inside - and this has never been tested (and I'm not one to test it - there are plenty of other ways to attach an anchor to a chain - the wheel has already been invented
Jonathan
It has nothing to do with strength and strength and abrasion resistance are independent of each other.
Don't even think about it.
Jonathan
To save me copying and pasting read this thread
Displacement vs Chain MBL
As mentioned I am all for people experimenting - please do so with care (always use a spare rode as you test the idea out) - please report back. The idea comes up with repetitive frequency as people search for yet another application for a soft shackle - strangely no-one has since reported success (and I would say - for obvious reasons).
You could slip on an anti chafe cover, which will possibly be dyneema - but the sand will get between cover and the dyneema inside - and this has never been tested (and I'm not one to test it - there are plenty of other ways to attach an anchor to a chain - the wheel has already been invented
Jonathan
Last edited:
salar
Well-Known Member
You don't need a soft shackle. I have connected a spliced soft eye on my anchor rope to a stainless allan key shackle on the end of the chain for years (30 actually). That way it slips through the ring of an Alderney buoy without catching. We anchor for most of the day every trip (fishing) and never had a chafe. This is probably because the stainless shackle is very smooth compared to galvanised chain links. I don't see any advantage in using anything other than a conventional shackle between anchor and chain.
thinwater
Well-Known Member
The topping lift on my boat is attached to the end of the boom with a Dyneema a strop. The fitting is similar in texture to an anchor eye. We pulled the mast today. Yes, the stop was pretty chewed up.
I've also done testing of Dyneema vs. rock in yawing conditions (boats yaw at anchor). In fact, it did very little better than polyest double braid. A large part of the reason is the weave used to make a soft shackle is the worst possible weave for side-to-side abrasion resistance.
There is a lot of mythology floating about about the chafe resistance of Dyneema.
Nope, don't even think it.
I've also done testing of Dyneema vs. rock in yawing conditions (boats yaw at anchor). In fact, it did very little better than polyest double braid. A large part of the reason is the weave used to make a soft shackle is the worst possible weave for side-to-side abrasion resistance.
There is a lot of mythology floating about about the chafe resistance of Dyneema.
Nope, don't even think it.
Zing
Well-Known Member
I agree with others. It’s a bad idea. Chafe will destroy it.
Porthandbuoy
Well-Known Member
I replaced the boom-end topping lift stainless shackle, which rattled and damaged the anodising, with a soft shackle. Three years down the line it still looks good; very little chafe. Use one underwater where there’s grit, galvanised surfaces and constant movement? I’d never sleep.
Neeves
Well-Known Member
I reiterate a comment that I made, or meant to make.
I'm all for experimentation, and I'm very supportive of those 'who think outside the box' come up with 'off the wall ideas' or 'think laterally'. I'd also strongly encourage anyone with a wild idea to air the idea here (unless they think they can make money by nurturing it quietly) - but whatever you do - have a back up, have a fall back.
With all the hype for some products some really good ideas might develop - don't give up.
Stay safe, take care
Jonathan
I'm all for experimentation, and I'm very supportive of those 'who think outside the box' come up with 'off the wall ideas' or 'think laterally'. I'd also strongly encourage anyone with a wild idea to air the idea here (unless they think they can make money by nurturing it quietly) - but whatever you do - have a back up, have a fall back.
With all the hype for some products some really good ideas might develop - don't give up.
Stay safe, take care
Jonathan