Hard to find shackle size?

[OrangeCrush]

Hello, I’m having a hard time finding a replacement for this shackle, which attaches the tack of my mainsail to the front of my boom. The pin has deformed under repeated tensioning of the halyard and I want to replace it. Any idea what this is exactly, or what supplier may have a large enough selection of shackles for me to find this?

(The shackle wasn’t quite lined up with the dimensions when I took the pic, but it had a 1/4” pin size and is 1-1/2 wide at the pin. The height is 2”.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

[Cheechako]

That is an odd one. 1/4" seems a bit small really for a 38 ft boat for the 1.5 span, but not going to break I guess. Does it have to be that wide? If you must stay 1/4" stock I would try to find a Wichard manufactured one that is high strength stainless like 17-4PH or etc.
I wonder if you could fine a high strength SS bolt and just replace the bolt?

[Paul L]

Could you replace it with a soft shackle. Stronger and cheaper.

[OrangeCrush]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

That is an odd one. 1/4" seems a bit small really for a 38 ft boat for the 1.5 span

Found it from the manufacturer of my mast: https://www.usspars.com/product/?part-id=3208

The pin can’t be thicker since it needs to fit in the boom’s casting. I’d agree that it seems a bit undersized since it deformed pretty badly. I think if I tighten it a bit more in the future it will handle the load better by leaving less pin exposed outside the casting.

I really appreciate the response!

[OrangeCrush]

Originally Posted by Paul L

Could you replace it with a soft shackle. Stronger and cheaper.

I like the idea, but I think it would rapidly chafe where it comes out of the casting at a 90 degree angle.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by OrangeCrush

I like the idea, but I think it would rapidly chafe where it comes out of the casting at a 90 degree angle.

Maybe use two, one on the boom and the other through it and the sail.

[Jim Cate]

Might be able to source a bolt made from 2205 duplex s/s. A lot stronger and stiffer than 316, and not too dear. Or make a clevis from 1/4" 2205 round stock if you can't find a bolt.

Another way would be to use a Dyneema lashing around the boom with only one strand goiing through the hole (from which you would carefully remove any sharp corners). That strand would locate the lashing and the other strands absorb the main loads. Cheap and easy... what's not to like?

Jim

[Otia]

Make one out of Dyneema :/
cheaper, stronger, lighter ...

[TheThunderbird]

Can not comment

Well,yes, l can


C'MON!