Snap Shackles

OK, I used to be a reallly driven racer, but now in my late 40's am interested more in having fun. I used to put up with dropping shackle pins into the sand, and having to replace them all the time, or having "kept" pins get so bound up I needed a pair of pliers to unstick the jib head and tack every sail.

I have been using a snap shcakle on the head and tack of my jib for 2 years now, with no apparetn adverse effects, and am wondering why I didn't do it years ago. No lost pins, no need for pliers, and doesn't affect any low profile sheeting issues. Is there a reason I should not be doing this? I can't belive they weigh that much more than a normal shackle that weight would be the main issue.

Am mainly asking to reflect on the 20 years of racing that I shuddered at the thought of snap shcakles on my boat, of course at $40-$50 each, that may have been reason enough for a teenager/ college student not to use them.

_________________
Raced extensively as a kid (against Matt Bounds!!), just bought a 20 year old 16 and am refurbishing it.

Sail # 21888

For just farting around, there's no reason why you shouldn't use snap shackles. I'd make sure that the ones on the jib are rated for the load.

Even racing, one on the jib halyard's not that big a deal. I wouldn't use one on the tack (sheeting distance) or the sheets (duh!) because I want mast rake.

absolutely, not on the tack or the sheets,

_________________
Raced extensively as a kid (against Matt Bounds!!), just bought a 20 year old 16 and am refurbishing it.

Sail # 21888

I would always bring a spare shackle with you when you use snap shackles. I've had one shear in half before.

Just what are snap shackles used for? I'm trying to pin drop proof my rig.
Would a captive shackle work in place of the snap shackles?

Yes, and they're a lot cheaper, too.

I use a snap shackle on the block to boom connection and quick twist halyard shackles on the Main haylard, jib haylard and clew and a toggle pin with lanyard on the jib tack. All 3 items are on Page 30 of the Murry's catalog.


Love the quck twist shackles.

Sam

_________________
Sail Like you Have a Pair
Bluish gray 73 - 83 H16
Super Nice Yellow 84 H18