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Post by ianpowolny on Oct 25, 2014 10:59:51 GMT
SOFT SHACKLES: We want to change the hanks for our jib on Affinity and I just couldn't bring myself to buy them on-line so I bought some Dyneema and have started making my own. The knot is a bit fiddly but the rest is easy. I guess its costing about £1.75 for each soft shackle in 4mm Dyneema. I used video for the plating the Dyneema and this one for making the diamond knot. This means I don't need an extra twine to hold the shackle open. The knitting needle is 4mm. Don't buy black Dyneema to start with, it's difficult to see the marks you need to make.  |
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Post by Don Reaves on Oct 26, 2014 1:08:39 GMT
Very cool. I'm definitely going to follow your lead and try making my own.
Don
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Post by singoviv on Oct 26, 2014 5:43:56 GMT
I don't know how practical they are for jib hanks. I use them as shackles for sheets etc... They work well for that purpose but are slow to take off.
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Post by Zanshin on Oct 26, 2014 7:53:28 GMT
I like making and using soft shackles, and with a bit of practice they can be quick to make. I do use a winch to pull tight the diamond knot before cutting off the bitter ends and melting them, though - otherwise that knot does have a tendency to re-open. Click on the picture for a link to some pictures on how I made the soft shackle arrangement to put up my anchor ball dayshape:  |
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Post by ianpowolny on Oct 26, 2014 8:12:36 GMT
Good to get the feedback.
I'm going to soft shackles for the jib on the advise from Kemp Sails. For a Dyneema type forestay this is what they supply.
I knew the knot is an issue but hadn't thought of using a winch to tighten.
Great let's see what others have to say, Ian
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Post by j on Oct 26, 2014 21:32:42 GMT
I've been making and using soft shackles for a few years, they make some rigging jobs easy and can save money. This is probably the best site for soft shackle info: l-36.com/soft_shackles.php?menu=4 |
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Post by ianpowolny on Oct 27, 2014 12:32:24 GMT
J, yes the L-36 site has the best description and a really good design but I found the knot difficult the achieve from their graphic, hence the second You Tube video. Ian
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Post by jdl01 on Oct 28, 2014 21:58:11 GMT
hello Ian,
I recently converted to a dyneema soft shackle for my genoa on our 379. No hangups compared to the previous ss shackle and less chance of being seriously hit by a flailing genoa lead. I agree with you that this is the way to go.
Jim
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