Discussion
Related to boats as it is for my dinghy... but wondered if anyone can recommend best knot for my boat?
The set up is very similar to the below photo except for the 2 blocks will be attached with soft shackles (they are Harken Fly blocks - photo below as well). What knot should be used for the loop connecting the soft shackles to the deck fitting? It will generally be under a light load so is a bowline acceptable or is there a better alternative?
Before anyone says just attach the blocks directly to the deck fitting, that isn't allowed under class rules - there has to be a seperate loop around the deck fitting that then connects to the blocks/soft shackles.
The set up is very similar to the below photo except for the 2 blocks will be attached with soft shackles (they are Harken Fly blocks - photo below as well). What knot should be used for the loop connecting the soft shackles to the deck fitting? It will generally be under a light load so is a bowline acceptable or is there a better alternative?
Before anyone says just attach the blocks directly to the deck fitting, that isn't allowed under class rules - there has to be a seperate loop around the deck fitting that then connects to the blocks/soft shackles.
I would suggest a full soft shackle to use to connect the rope of your pulleys too,
https://www.animatedknots.com/boating-knots
look in here
https://www.animatedknots.com/boating-knots
look in here
Phud said:
I would suggest a full soft shackle to use to connect the rope of your pulleys too,
https://www.animatedknots.com/boating-knots
look in here
Definitely this. However they are relatively hard to make, even if you are handy with a fid. I am not handy with a fid beyond basic stuff so buy mine - we use at least 6 on board, with one on the genoa clew under huge load and others scattered around various blocks.https://www.animatedknots.com/boating-knots
look in here
GliderRider said:
Is the purpose of the soft shackle so it can be cut free in an emergency; say in the event of a collapsed rig trapping someone?
For me, they are easier than metal shackles, less damage, more versatile and can be placed where metal ones cannot, I use them as lizards on my fore sailspaintman said:
Worth looking at/talking to others in your boat class - esp the leaders - & seeing what they're using & why?
Yes good point, i did check with a couple and there is a mixture - bowline, soft shackles, fishermans bend, all sorts really so it doesn't really matter too much, i'm just looking for the neatest option.Phud said:
For me, they are easier than metal shackles, less damage, more versatile and can be placed where metal ones cannot, I use them as lizards on my fore sails
It's not particularly so you can be cut free, more because of the position they are constantly touching/lifting off/back onto the deck, metal would be noisy and chip the deck. Also weight, it's a very lightweight boat so nice to avoid extra weight where possible.jjcd said:
It's not particularly so you can be cut free, more because of the position they are constantly touching/lifting off/back onto the deck, metal would be noisy and chip the deck. Also weight, it's a very lightweight boat so nice to avoid extra weight where possible.
my needs are very different to yours, 21 ton wooden toy, all wood, but yours points are all true for grp/plastic things 
maybe these, would be the answer - poly prop covered soft shackles - https://www.upffront.com/en_US/shop?search=loop+co...
Gassing Station | Boats, Planes & Trains | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff