Question....

I definitely don't like the "ring" shaped locks that hold the pins in place. Is there something easier to use that replaces the pins which uses no ring shaped locks ? I am 48 and my near sight is poor already, I am shure there is a better pin somewhere.

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Every second that passes cannot be recovered, so make good use of every one of them that you have left.

These might be ok for an old guy,,,or young.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... sNum=10204


http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... sNum=10204

Then there are always cotter pins and pliers but glasses are frequently needed with those too.

I've always been concerned about those quick release pins...do they hold fast? Has anyone had problems with them popping out?

I like them, never had a problem with them 'popping out'. That said, nothing is going to be as secure as a cotter pin. If you trailer, then these are handy things in certain applications.

Hi
There is a Hobie fleet (#133) in San Juan that sails out of the sailing center in Isla Verde, you should contact them. They are a great group and will help learn all about Hobie sailing. A lot of your questions could be answered by joining in with other Hobie sailors. Some of the best Hobie sailors in North America are members of this fleet.

Try

http://hobiecatpuertorico.com/

or on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Puerto ... 1901894498

Rich

I use the "ring" to hold the pins on all of the standing rigging. Although it is unlikely that the quick release pin will come undone, it is more unlikely that a ring will come out. IMHO.

Whenever I drop one of those clevis pins or it's ring & cannot find it, I replace it with a normal shackle - easier to fasten/unfasten.

I hate ring dings as well, but they really are about the best thing going. If you tape them, then they're pretty much idiot proof. The only thing I use a quick pin on is my mainsheet block to traveler car connection. Haven't had one fail there, and if it does, its not going to drop the rig. Hmmm, disturbing thought.... could break a mast though if it failed at the wrong time with the spinnaker up.

Some of the rings have a leg that bends toward the middle and are made from heavier wire. They are much easier to get started because you have one end exposed for putting the ring on or off. I have to fold up the wings on my H18 every time and these make it much easier for the 6 pins.

I use the quick pin on the boom to sail connection, the hiking stick and the forestay (backed up with a shackle after the mast is stepped. They are great for running rigging but I would not use them on shrouds.

I used a quick pin on the chainplate to hold the jib and it popped out as a result of a capsize. We switched over to the pins that look like a safety pin. Then, I tape the pin with a small piece of tape and never had a problem with it coming out. Although, the tape gets a little difficult to remove if the piece is too big.

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Eric Weller
2006 F18 Capricorn
1980 H16
Keep the pointy side up!