Need some feedback and advice on two things.

Firstly, I want a quicker setup time on my prindle 15 cat and was wondering if any beachcat sailors are using snap shackles on your jib, boom and main sheet. Are they reliable? I'm getting mixed reviews thus far.

Secondly, what rope type would you recommend as a main halyard? I'm not rich, so what will do the job, is strong enough and reliable. Thanks

--
Frank
Prindle 15/Hobie 16/Hobie 14T
--

I used a snap shackle on the jib for awhile, until my crew was hand holding the jib downwind and his glove got caught on the cotter ring for the shackle and blew the jib accidentally. I don't think it's worth the cost. The good snap shackles are way too expensive for me.

As for a halyard just use poly double braid. I've always used samson xls because it's priced really good and strong.

snap shackles are great for attaching blocks but expensive
as Matt said - they utilize a cotter pin and ring that can snag
all rings should be taped or they can snag and bend and fall off

they are also very expensive and not needed
i had one for a decade on my main blocks- it recently crapped out - i doubt i will replace it any time soon

I really like the snap shackles on both my sheets. It cuts right down on setup time. I can pop the main loose in a hurry when on the beach or at dockside. I've seen Cunningham hooks used on maim sheets. If you go that route make sure it has a welded eye.
For a halyard I like the lowest stretch line I can get.

--
'82 Super Cat 15
Hull #315
Virginia
Previously owned: '70 H14, '79 H16, '68 Sailmaster 26, '85 H14T
--

it's SOOOOoooo easy to make a soft shackle though...

no splice needed - just tie an eye/loop
no high modulious needed - almost anyline will work .. but HM like will LAST

I was recently thinking my 7 year old dyneema jib tack/furler soft shackle should get replaced ... kinda soon ...



Edited by MN3 on Jun 05, 2018 - 07:35 PM.

Do I pull that eye through my clew and the eyes on my sheet blocks and then over that knot on the end and pull it tight?

--
'82 Super Cat 15
Hull #315
Virginia
Previously owned: '70 H14, '79 H16, '68 Sailmaster 26, '85 H14T
--

gahamby

Do I pull that eye through my clew and the eyes on my sheet blocks and then over that knot on the end and pull it tight?

use this anywhere you would use a regular shackle (although i wouldn't use it on a place that is constantly loading and unloading ... i think it COULD come free)

just "hook" it around whatever you want and lock it by pushing the ball through the eye
that's it - no need to pull it tight

if you look at this video of saturday, you can see my soft shackle attached to my jib clew
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0VPUpPPPzA



Edited by MN3 on Jun 06, 2018 - 01:01 PM.

Gotcha, thanks. The video wouldn't open. Could be on my end.

--
'82 Super Cat 15
Hull #315
Virginia
Previously owned: '70 H14, '79 H16, '68 Sailmaster 26, '85 H14T
--

Video did not open for me either.

--
Frank
Prindle 15/Hobie 16/Hobie 14T
--

Sorry bout dat
I have set the link to public


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0VPUpPPPzA

Quote

The video wouldn't open

Edited by MN3 on Jun 07, 2018 - 05:00 PM.

gahamby

Do I pull that eye through my clew and the eyes on my sheet blocks and then over that knot on the end and pull it tight?