Lets start a thread about Soft Shackles.
Where to use
How to make
where to buy
where NOT to use em, etc
Soft Shackles - where, how, why, why not
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Posted: Jul 09, 2020 - 11:00 AM
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Posted: Jul 09, 2020 - 11:19 AM
I started with a 3mm and 4mm selma fid
they make it pretty easy
I used 3 or 4 mm 8 strand or 12 strand single braind (no jacket) and learned eye splicing and lock stitches
pretty easy stuff
then i learned a few other splices: like a brummel locking splice and Mobius Brummel Eye Splice
I now use a brion toss splicing wand
and this is my most recent splice
for my buddies downhaul -
luggage tag for the downhaul blocks, soft shackle for the tack of the sail
Edited by MN3 on Jul 09, 2020 - 11:20 AM. -
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Posted: Jul 09, 2020 - 01:32 PM
Where: everywhere
When - when you are bored - you need a small number of tools, and lengths of rope. Once you get the hang of it, the number of tools and time needed go down severely.
Why/where not:
- serious chafe
- need a hard ring (ie: mainsail halyard)
- needs to be released under load -
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Posted: Jul 20, 2020 - 12:50 AM
Are they a good choice for jib sheet? I am thinking being lightweight would help to not collapse the jib in very light air, but is there a risk of the lazy sheet coming off as not under load the pull the soft shackle taught? Any particular considerations when looking at making them for this purpose? -
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Posted: Jul 20, 2020 - 10:13 AM
i use a soft shackle at the end of my jib sheet bridal to attach the blocks to the jib clew
used it for 5 years at least
it has never come loose
Edited by MN3 on Jul 20, 2020 - 10:14 AM. -
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Posted: Jul 20, 2020 - 12:37 PM
I use them on any jibs that do not stay rigged all season. This one was from my 6.0XL Mystere, (20’ x 10’).
I have used it on the Hobie 18, & even on my 15’ Dart. The Dart has a pretty small jib, I would make one out of smaller line.
It takes no skill at making splices or loops, merely a few knots. You can see the jib blocks are secured by a knot. After hoisting the jib, simply slide the loop through the clew, then put the monkey fist into the loop. At the end of the day, it is taken off without untying anything, or requiring a shackle dog.
I’ve used it for years, & it has never come undone.
https://www.thebeachcats.com/pictures?g2_itemId=133337
Sorry,mthesendamned ipads don’t give me a valid link to post the photo direct.
Got a real computer...
Edited by Edchris177 on Jul 20, 2020 - 08:18 PM.
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Hobie 18 Magnum
Dart 15
Mystere 6.0XL Sold Was a handful solo
Nacra 5.7
Nacra 5.0
Bombardier Invitation (Now officially DEAD)
Various other Dock cluttering WaterCrap
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Posted: Jul 20, 2020 - 01:50 PM
My jib uses soft shackles on head, tack and crew.
For the main, the boom "strap" at the clew and the cunningham attachment are soft shackles. All the blocks attached to the boom are on soft shackles.
My boat is stored mast up. When I come to rig it to sail, it's all soft shackles or stuff in cleats, with the main halyard being the only exception. Takes longer to get the sailors dressed than to get the boat dressed. -
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Posted: Jul 20, 2020 - 02:34 PM
I hope you don't shackle your crew
:)
http://sail-delmarva.blog…-stropes-and-square.html
Soft Shackles, Stropes, and Square Riggers
Amsteel and other high-tech lines have made crazy things practical...
All-fiber standing rigging
Fiber lifelines
Safer jacklines
Fiber shackles
... except now that I think about it, none of this is completely new. It's where we started, when the first sailor decided to raise a few sticks and a woven mat above his raft to save paddling home. Clearly, we've improved on those early efforts. First, we used tarred steel, and then stainless steel. Heavier and more expensive, but durable and non-stretch with great abrasion resistance. But we couldn't leave it alone. I'm glad.
Traditional spliced strope with wall knot stopper
One of the biggest trends we've seen in the past 50 years is away from things that can be made to things that must be purchased. Given the steady decline in the basic shop skills of the average sailor and the increase in the complexity of our world, this trend is unstopable. But I try. Many of us try, and that is one of the great attractions of Amsteel; that a DIY sailor can replace purchased rigging services and create something better. I like that too.
Soft Shackles. A cool little invention: the only thing is the idea is about 200 years old on boats, and as old as ropes in general. Every pre-teen girl learned to tie these when braiding friendship bracelets. Every old salt learned to tie a strop with a splice and a turkshead; They are strong, cheap, and won't jam if loaded sharply. I've seen them used to arrest cannon. Rather similar, I think.
Still a good idea today. When made from Amsteel...
As strong as steel
Won't scratch the gel coat
Light
Cheap
Quiet
No tools required to install of remove
Edited by MN3 on Jul 20, 2020 - 02:36 PM.
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