Jib/genoa lines

[mpc7002]

Except my Hobie, all the boats I have borrowed or rented have had a roller furling jib/genoa. The jib lines have always been tied on with a bowline knot. This past weekend I bought a small hunter of my own. It comes with a nice complement of sails, but no furler. The current owner has a set of jib lines already attached to each of the jib, and two genoas.

My question is, wouldn't it be easier to tie the jib lines to a shackle or snap shackle, and leave all the jib lines in place on deck, than to re-run lines if i change from say a jib to a 135 genoa?

[sck5]

imagine that shackle flogging around some time. I wonder what it would hit? You? Fiberglass? A port or hatch?

[Allanbc]

Just leave the lines in place and tie them on with a bowline. A bowline is quick to tie and pretty easy to untie. This has worked for many, many years. I would vote no to using a shackle.

[lydanynom]

My headsail sheets are one continuous line attached to the clew at its centerpoint with a cow hitch rather than two separate lines attached with bowlines. I've been really happy with that setup. There seems to be less to snag, I think it winds up being lighter, and there is no risk of the flogging sail ever shaking out a knot.

[14432]

Originally Posted by lydanynom

My headsail sheets are one continuous line attached to the clew at its centerpoint with a cow hitch rather than two separate lines attached with bowlines. I've been really happy with that setup. There seems to be less to snag, I think it winds up being lighter, and there is no risk of the flogging sail ever shaking out a knot.

Agree - single line & cowhitch is the best way

[trantor12020]

here we go again.

[lydanynom]

Originally Posted by trantor12020

here we go again.

I just tried searching but came up with ziilch. Where is the previous discussion?

[miduship15]

Clearly, a shackle is not a good idea, between the chance of it flying around or the chance of it snagging then releasing while tacking.

On my cruising boat, I use the single line with a cow hitch. On racing boats, I prefer separate bow and starboard sheets (tied on with bowlines) to permit changing the headsail without dropping the jib in use.

[SebastienL]

I am currently using the following setup and it should fit your need (easy to detach / reattach, no dangerous shackle flying around):

Tying Jib Sheets - Soft Shackle for Jibsheets (link here)

I've only installed this 2 weeks ago so I haven't tested this setup at all... But it does seem solid.

[mpickering]

I use a cow hitch and a single line. Shackles are expensive! One less thing to break.

Matt