To splice or knot to splice

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MattM14
MattM14
NSW
190 posts
NSW, 190 posts
4 Nov 2013 9:50am
Time to replace my spinnaker sheets and I will probably opt for Dyneema or one of the other modern lighter options but I thought I would put a few questions to the collective knowledge of the forum;

1. Recommended size line for a 32ft displacement yacht with masthead kite?
2. The old sheets have always just been tied to the snap shackle using a bowline but it is bulky and heavy (not good in light air). What are your thoughts on splicing the new sheets onto the snap shackle?
3. If they are spliced would it have to have a thimble around the shackle or could it be done without?
Seamonkey_H2024
Seamonkey_H2024
VIC
344 posts
VIC, 344 posts
4 Nov 2013 11:04am
10mm line should suffice and you could change over to 4mm line in lighter winds. If you go too small you may have problems with your winch.

I'm a big fan of knots. Cheap, no sharp bits and conventional if you want to use the line for other tasks.

Line length 2 times boat length for each line or you could run a continuous line.
blackswan
blackswan
WA
45 posts
WA, 45 posts
5 Nov 2013 11:21am
max 10mm, I run up to a 130sq meter kite with 10mm, go for a rope with a bit of stretch, for shock absorbancy, for those times when it all goes wrong!
HaveFun
HaveFun
NSW
201 posts
NSW, 201 posts
5 Nov 2013 4:44pm
If you are using a snap shackle then why not practice your splicing technique and it should look neater. Do you use shackles to make changing sails easier? If you do not intend changing sails why use a snap shackle at all?
FreeRadical
FreeRadical
WA
855 posts
WA, 855 posts
5 Nov 2013 4:55pm
As above, 10mm would suit.

Get a good set of splicing Fids (I got some Selma ones off eBay UK). Practice, practice, practice splicing on some cheap double braid first. It is a bit of an art to get a perfect splice.

Wouldn't use a thimble.

Use a quick release shackle that you can release using a spike.

A strong wind drop is neater if the pole is edged gently to the forestay, fired using spike and then letter boxed between foot of main and boom with the main shielding the kite.
HaveFun
HaveFun
NSW
201 posts
NSW, 201 posts
5 Nov 2013 11:01pm
Sorry didn't read "spinnaker"
Jethrow
Jethrow
NSW
1282 posts
NSW, 1282 posts
6 Nov 2013 5:23pm
Mine are spliced in a loop at the end then cow hitched to the shap shackle. it makes for a nice snug attachment and you can swap it out later...
LordRumpunc
LordRumpunc
NSW
60 posts
NSW, 60 posts
2 Dec 2013 3:13pm
Jethrow said..

Mine are spliced in a loop at the end then cow hitched to the shap shackle. it makes for a nice snug attachment and you can swap it out later...


I agree with Jethrow. Splice a loop and use cow hitch. Also, remove cover for part of sheet that never sees nocks. Again, saves weight. No good if you don't use a separate brace.
cisco
cisco
QLD
12365 posts
QLD, 12365 posts
3 Dec 2013 1:32am
Knots is good (bowline) with a bit of sewn sail twine to lock it.

When the load spot gets worn you can cut a few inches off the halliard/sheet and redo it.
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