Mainsheet attach with Bowline or eye splice

[dmksails]

I'm replacing my mainsheet. It is currently connected to the becket with a knot. Would an eye splice be a better connection?

[roverhi]

A knot is free and easy. Splices will either have to be paid for or take the time to learn how to do the splice and accomplish it. May not apply to a mainsheet but easy to end for end sheet to even out wear and UV degradation with knots rather than a splice. Haven't spliced any double braid on boats I've owned for the last fifty years and all is well.

The new synthetic ropes maintain their strength advantage when spliced but they are easy to splice. Still tie on the dacron covered exotic core halyards without a problem.

[JPA Cate]

Ours is spliced. Jim makes the splices.

Ann

[hlev00]

Mine has a shackle between the splice and the becket so I can remove it to get it out of the way or rinse out during the off season. A bowline is fine. It does reduce the strength of the rope by 30% but as part of a multi part main sheet that is probably irrelevant. After that, it comes down to what you like.

Harry

[LoudMusic]

Mine is a splice with a screw fit D shackle. I think a bowline would be fine.

I don't often hear about mainsheets failing, or needing maintenance, and I can't imagine the typical sailor needs to remove or adjust their mainsheet attachment frequently.

[thinwater]

The issue is whether a knot can be oriented so that it does not rub. No rubbing, no problem.


I splice lines...

• When a knot would be in the way.
• Snag (docklines, chain-rope transition).
• Highly loaded lines (headsail sheets, rodes).
• Dyneema, since it doesn't knot for beans and is dead simple to splice.

Many lines, particularly boats under 40 feet, are sized for hand or stretch, not strength, so you only splice them if it makes things run better or if you like the look.


A sewn splice is another alternative in some cases (this case, for example). There are many variations (you can see another style off to the side in the video). Specifically, it can be the only practical way on old, stiff rope. https://youtu.be/y7DgVSvhsjM

[chrisr]

ours is a bowline. quick n easy to take off...

cheers,

[jim King]

One advantage to the bowline is that you can occasionally trim some of the halyard to account for rub or chaff around the cleats and wench.

[jclark500]

Had an eye splice on the mainsheet from factory. It failed at night downwind and slammed into the stays. Have had a bowlline ever since.

[PNWSalmon]

You are losing strength in the line with the knot. If that's a concern for you, go with a splice.

[doublewide]

Eye splice and soft shackle

[Capt Y Knot]

A Larks Head Knot is what I now use. The bowline always got caught on the shrouds.

Your line length needs to be the total length of both sheets since the Larks Head ties at the clew. No cutting line.

It can get tight after use.

[StuM]

Originally Posted by Capt Y Knot

A Larks Head Knot is what I now use. The bowline always got caught on the shrouds.

Your line length needs to be the total length of both sheets since the Larks Head ties at the clew. No cutting line.

It can get tight after use.

I suspect you are talking about headsail sheets, not the mainsheet?

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by Capt Y Knot

A Larks Head Knot is what I now use. The bowline always got caught on the shrouds.

Your line length needs to be the total length of both sheets since the Larks Head ties at the clew. No cutting line.

It can get tight after use.

Mainsheet. If you are getting you mainsheet caught on the shroud....

[hlev00]

It is funny how these thread drift when posters don't read the actual original post. We should be on to anchors pretty soon.