Halyard hitch

[jamottep]

Talking to Greg about snap shakles and how they are expensive on a 40 ft boat, we agreed that using a hitch to secure the halyard to sails may be best. I've seen 3 ways to do this:

1. Buntline hitch: https://www.animatedknots.com/buntline-hitch-knot;
2. Halyard hitch: https://www.animatedknots.com/halyard-hitch-knot;
3. Halyard hitch (go figure): https://www.netknots.com/rope_knots/halyard-hitch

They're all compact knots that would get tighter under pressure. I think #2 is the way to go as it looks like the one that would be less stressed under tension and be most secure.

 

[AntsUiga]

A couple suggestions from Brion Toss's book - Rigger's Apprentice are -

Brummell splice if you want to have a single line that serves as port and starboard sheet. (Page 167)

For single sheets, an eye splice at the sail end of the sheet and a soft shackle attaching that to sail. No worries about lines continually tightening. (Page 388).

Since book is copyrighted, I won't post the pages on the forum, but will gladly send you versions if desired.

The soft shackles would be useful in any number of other situations.

Caveat - I have not used any soft shackles since the last time I bought marine lines was in the 90's. I am catching up on the new high modulus lines and how to splice them to use effectively. My Moore 24 works with low loads and small lines in comparison.

Ants

 

[sleddog]

Talking to Greg about snap shakles and how they are expensive on a 40 ft boat, we agreed that using a hitch to secure the halyard to sails may be best.
They're all compact knots that would get tighter under pressure.

I can think of half a dozen scenarios where being able to remove a halyard from the head of a sail on a RTW attempt would be advantageous. The only knot that can be released without a knife after being put under halyard tension is a bowline. Sure, without a thimble, a bowline can weaken a halyard. But dyneema is so strong and chafe resistant, even weakened by 50% at the knot, it far exceeds the breaking strain of the halyard...the BS of a 5/16" dyneema halyard is 13,700# and BS of 3/8" dyneema is 19,600#. My preference when tying a halyard into the head of a sail is to pass it through the grommet twice to reduce point loading...

 

[jamottep]

Thanks for the feedback. Yes the 3 propositions above would require a cut. The bowline is really a useful knot!

 

[BobJ]

What we have here is a major case of waiting-for-the-boat-itis.

 

[jamottep]

What we have here is a major case of waiting-for-the-boat-itis.

Considering that I've looked for a boat for over 18 months, that I saw this boat in August last year and had a strong feeling about it then. Yeah, you just might be right

 

[Philpott]

Considering that I've looked for a boat for over 18 months, that I saw this boat in August last year and had a strong feeling about it then. Yeah, you just might be right

You will bring her into the bay before settling somewhere else? A preview, a chance to sail under the gate to see how it will feel upon your return? Give your friends a glimpse up close and personal?

 

[Tchoupitoulas]

Looks like Jackie's hosting the dock party!

 

[jamottep]

You will bring her into the bay before settling somewhere else? A preview, a chance to sail under the gate to see how it will feel upon your return? Give your friends a glimpse up close and personal?

I was thinking of sailing down to RC to unload all the gear and for a thorough clean up. But I'd be happy to stop at a welcoming dock before

 

[Intermission]

But I'd be happy to stop at a welcoming dock before

Even strangers who throw bags of candy at you would show up!

 

[Philpott]

Looks like Jackie's hosting the dock party!

Yes, Tchoup, I will do that. And maybe you'll bring your little lovely boat. We can compare and contrast the two while eating baked goods. When I get a firm date I'll ask about a Speaker Series for Monsieur to discuss his little ... adventure. With show and tell.