[PeterJYC]

I removed the line from the shackle that attaches to the jib to soak in fabric softener and look how scorched it is! It was just curled through the shackle as you commonly see. The picture doesn't do it justice, I'd say 1/4 of the line is eaten away.

The line is in pretty good shape, so do you think I can just cut, whip, and put each (new bitter end) through the shackle and tie a stop-knot on each end?

 

[MarkSF]

Another reason it's much better to attach the jib sheets with a bowline knot, no shackle. The other reason is there'll be no metal shackle swinging around at head height. Can be a real danger if it starts whipping around.

 

[CapnBones]

I use bowline knots to attach all my sheets, halyards too... this is mainly because I am cheap, but why put one more piece in to the puzzle. You are most likely attaching your line to the shackle with a bowline anyway, one more thing to fail. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Alex W]

It looks like he is using a single sheet attached to the shackle with a cow hitch, and that is attached to the clew ring on the sail.

I agree that a hard shackle isn't a great thing to have flying around on the end of the sail. A soft shackle or bowline is better.

You could cut the line there into two sheets and tie bowlines. Chances are you could keep using it as is for a long time too, jib sheets are generally sized for comfort and are way overspec'd for strength.

 

[pdqaltair]

Try Yale Maxijacket for spots like that. This little bit of nothing ( I use the clear version) you paint on adds 5x wear. Really, I've run both lab and on-boat tests. Great for furler lines and splices; many riggers, including Toss and Defender consider it standard. Also dock lines (where chafe gear won't fit) and snubbers.

Polyester and nylon only. Doesn't do much for HMPE.

Knot an Rope sells little bottles.
MaxiJacket Coating

 

[sailingfool]

Definitely dump the shackle on a jib sheet.

 

[MedSailor]

How did you ever get that cow hitch untied?

MedSailor

 

[JimsCAL]

The line is in pretty good shape, so do you think I can just cut, whip, and put each (new bitter end) through the shackle and tie a stop-knot on each end?

I would not do this. Stop-knots would not be strong enough. If you insist on using the snap shackle, then cut the line and tie each with a bowline. But just skipping the shackle probably makes the most sense.

 

[Ajax_MD]

Try Yale Maxijacket for spots like that. This little bit of nothing ( I use the clear version) you paint on adds 5x wear. Really, I've run both lab and on-boat tests. Great for furler lines and splices; many riggers, including Toss and Defender consider it standard. Also dock lines (where chafe gear won't fit) and snubbers.

Polyester and nylon only. Doesn't do much for HMPE.

Knot an Rope sells little bottles.
MaxiJacket Coating

Thanks for sharing this.

 

[Stu Jackson]

In addition to metal flying around, those kinds of shackles are notorious for opening on their own. Not a good idea.