Shackles on main and jib

Hi,
After coming back from a sail last Sunday I was at the dock, still on the water trying to disconnect upper main sheet block from the boom. The wind was light, I (being at the dock) was not able to turn to the wind, so I was sort of hanging on the boom over the leeward hull trying to unscrew shackle pin. I finally managed to do it, but I can easily see that I will loose either the pin or the bow or both or even take a dive off the boat if the wind is a bit stronger or there are more waves.

My friend suggested and I started thinking about putting a snap shackle on the main sheet upper block. The same goes for the jib tack - put a snap shackle there and hook it to the adjuster.

I have a few questions:
- what is the load I need to consider while selecting snap shackles on boom and jib?
- do any of you guys put snap shackles there or am I simply trying to be too comfortable?
- after reading the thread about rig tension and mast rake (The diving leeward bow http://www.hobiecat.com/community/viewt ... 1&start=15) I'm now thinking - how much am I going to mess/extend my rig with all these snap shackles?

Thanks for suggestions and opinions.

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Yuri
Hobie 16
Laser Vago

Snap shackels are da kine! The smallest Winchard is more than strong enough.

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I use a snap shackle for my upper block to connect to the boom and a push pin to connect the lower block to the traveler, makes things way easy. I use a push/keeper pin to connect the jib to the adjuster. I also use a push pin to connect the tiller. I don't see anything wrong with using items of convinience to make rigging go faster, but I definately use pins w/ ring dings to connect all of the standing rigging. Jib comes loose, not really a big deal (although it's never happened), mast comes down, waaaay big deal.

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James
86' Redline Hobie 16
Sail # 76909