[jaschrumpf]

The line connecting my main's tack to the outhaul has stretched to the point where the main isn't fully out when the outhaul has reached the end of the boom, so I'm going to retie it. What is/are the proper knot/s for this purpose? The current knot looks like two half hitches and some extra stuff thrown in, and not like any actual knot I've ever seen.

Would it be better to just use a shackle between the grommet on the tack and the outhaul?

Thanks!

 

[Valiente]

Most outhauls of my experience are a casting with a clevis pin that goes through the tack grommet. The casting goes back and forth on a foot or so of track bolted to the boom and is moved via an internal wire or wire to rope halyard to a small winch on one side of the boom. I guess if yours is line to an internal sheave or an external shackle, and then to a winch or cleat or whatever, I would suggest something extra strong, low stretch and friction-resistant, like one of the Spectra/Dyneema lines.

I would also endorse the use of a strong shackle, just because it's easier if you remove the main for sewing or stowing than undoing, and then you can backsplice the Spectra at the shackle as it can be a permanent fixture. Get advice on this as these lines are "slippery" and need a long splice.

 

[sailingfool]

Use a round-turn-and-two-half-hitches, skip the shackle, and be sure to tie the outhaul to the clew...if you are tying it to your tack you have bent the main on backwards.

 

[jaschrumpf]

The mainsail is rigged correctly, it's just me that's backwards!

So the clevis pin should normally go through the grommet on the clew? I can do that; it would fit with no problem. This being my first boat I can't claim to have extensive knowledge of how things should be in all cases.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[justified]

Jaschrumpf
on my N28 the out haul is a car on the boom with a clevis pin that goes to the clew. the line is attached to the end of the car to a pulley then forward on boom to a cleat on starboard side. the knot is as sailingfool described.

Justified

 

[Valiente]

Use a round-turn-and-two-half-hitches, skip the shackle, and be sure to tie the outhaul to the clew...if you are tying it to your tack you have bent the main on backwards.

HA! Got me, too! That's what happens when I reply while answering a business call!

 

[sailingdog]

A buntline hitch would work fairly well, and is a fairly permanent way of attaching the clew. However, if you're using a bunt line hitch, tie it to a shackle, so that you can remove the outhaul at the end of the season, as the only way to untie a buntline hitch is often a knife.