Thimbles (again)

[richardh10]

A while back I asked whether people would use a thimble on the halyard for the mainsail, with the result that this year I am going to try the halyard knot. But what about my hanked on foresail? Thimble? soft splice? Or something that I haven't yet heard of?

Any thoughts?

Cheers

 

[rob2]

There's generally no problem tying a halyard knot on the main halyard whilst you are clipped around the mast, but I wouldn't fancy it on the foredeck too often. My own preference is for a permanently attached captive shackle. I'm afraid the correct terminology escapes me - having a senior moment - but the type with a pin across to stop the attachment sliding down the jaws and a quarter turn lockin pin... of course, you can attach it to the halyard with a halyard knot or any of the methods you've listed. So long as there is room between the head of the sail and the sheave, a thimble is probably the most durable arrangement, although I prefer nylon to avoid having a metal component abrading the anodising of the mast and it may hurt less when it whacks you around the ear.

Rob.

 

[PlankWalker]

Halyard knot onto shackle.

Plank

 

[oldbilbo]

'Oo yoo callin' a plank?

 

[PlankWalker]

Me

 

[William_H]

I use nothing on the end of the spectra jib halyard but a bowline straight onto the eyelet on jib head. This has a big advantage that each time the jib is put on the knot is in a different place so any wear at the bowline on the jib or the various pulleys in the mast is in a different place, The outcome then is much longer halyard life. My crew are all very able to tie a bowline and jibs are often changed mid race with not problems. Other slight advantage is less weight aloft.
I still have a wire halyard for the main halyard so thimble effectively bolted onto the main sail head board. No shackle as the main is just a bit too long in the luff. I don't disconnect the main halyard.
Mean time in about 3 hrs I will be going for a sail (race) Getting near the end of the season. Weather has broken with rain yesterday. The first noticebale rain for 4 months. Light winds today will help the little boat among the big kids. All good fun. good luck olewill