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Thread: Halyard hitch

  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2015
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    907

    Default Halyard hitch

    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.
    Last edited by jamottep; 02-14-2020 at 11:10 PM.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2016
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    Bodfish, CA
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    Default

    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

  3. #3
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    Sep 2007
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    Quote Originally Posted by jamottep View Post
    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...
    Last edited by sleddog; 02-14-2020 at 09:38 PM.

  4. #4
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    May 2015
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    Default

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

  5. #5
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    What we have here is a major case of waiting-for-the-boat-itis.

  6. #6
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    May 2015
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    Quote Originally Posted by BobJ View Post
    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 :-)

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by jamottep View Post
    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?

  8. #8
    Join Date
    May 2009
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    Looks like Jackie's hosting the dock party!

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by Philpott View Post
    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 :-)

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Saratoga
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    Quote Originally Posted by jamottep View Post
    But I'd be happy to stop at a welcoming dock before :-)
    Even strangers who throw bags of candy at you would show up!
    The Sea is my Church; the Boat is my Pew.

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