Thicker grommet on replacement sail

dartsailors

Rank: Mate

Registered: Oct 26, 2017

Last visit: Sep 06, 2024

Posts: 133
Posted: Jul 09, 2024 - 12:04 PM

I purchased a new sail for the Dart 18 from Whirlwind. The grommet at the top of the sail is thicker than the opening on the halyard ring. The halyard ring looks like this, exception mine has a spring loaded bar that flips down to lock:

I tried simply bending the hook open enough to accept the new sail, but then the bar doesn't clear far enough to close. Any thoughts on a solution?

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Dana, Holly, Emma & Hannah

LJ/Stu's Dart 18 (Sold! :( )
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boatbore

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Jul 14, 2015

Last visit: Feb 13, 2025

Posts: 80
Posted: Jul 09, 2024 - 03:27 PM

I have the same halyard ring as in your photo on my Dart 20 and I bought a whilwind mainsail in December 2020 and it fits perfectly. I've never seen a halyard ring like the one you described. Maybe get a halyard ring like the one you have pictured? Or do away with the spring loaded bar. What purpose does the spring loaded bar serve?

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Dart 20
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martin_langhoff

Rank: Mate

Registered: Oct 26, 2016

Last visit: Feb 14, 2025

Posts: 235
Posted: Jul 11, 2024 - 11:58 PM

Re-posting after logging in

I've had this problem in the past. I hammered the grommet to be a bit flatter and allow the shackle

@boatbore - I think he means that instead of a screw pin, the shackle has a pin with a clever end that self-locks. I've had them on other boats.
glumfresh

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Jul 25, 2024

Last visit: Jul 25, 2024

Posts: 2
Posted: Jul 25, 2024 - 05:03 AM

If filing down isn’t an option, consider having the grommet replaced with one that fits the halyard ring. A sailmaker or a marine shop drift hunters can assist with this.
dartsailors

Rank: Mate

Registered: Oct 26, 2017

Last visit: Sep 06, 2024

Posts: 133
Posted: Sep 06, 2024 - 02:03 PM

Does anyone have an extra halyard ring they'd be willing to sell? I'd like to help the new owner out.

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Dana, Holly, Emma & Hannah

LJ/Stu's Dart 18 (Sold! :( )
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shortyfox

Rank: Mate

Registered: Apr 07, 2017

Last visit: Feb 20, 2025

Posts: 371
Posted: Sep 09, 2024 - 09:25 AM

Just get a steel ring the appropriate diameter and a twist shackle. You can tie the line portion of the halyard directly onto the the steel ring. I did it that way for years with my Nacra with no problem. The boat came with a halyard ring like the one pictured but I discovered that a smaller ring made it easier to release the ring from the hook.

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Bill Townsend
G-Cat 5.0
Sarasota
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