Spinaker Crane

[Chasing Summer]

If you 're following my blog you'll see that I'm making a lot of my own parts. Today the rest of the material arrived so I can finish making all the parts for the deck safety line stantion bases. I also ordered a 5/8 od x 3/8 id s/s tube. This evening I made a spinaker crane. I looked on different websites that sell them for the proper stock size. No, I didn't bend the loop. It's a long, thru-hull threaded pull loop. I made it using tubing so if for some reason the loop bent (must have left the spinaker up in a blow) I can just replace the loop. I can also make modification very easily if I want to use a different kind of loop.

I know everyone's going to have varying opinions. Go for it. This is how I made mine.

[psk125]

Looks like the crane should work. Are you going to weld it onto the masthead? What's the breaking strength on that shackle and block?

[Chasing Summer]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll attach with 3 - 3/8 bolts. My mast head is aluminum. Don't know the breaking strength. I just know they are the size that is recommended for boats over 42 feet. Mine's 42 ft.

Also, being able to remove the shackle and put a bigger one if I need to.

[sammyo]

I couldn't tell from the photo, is that a swivel block?

[Chasing Summer]

I put a finish weld on the edges and polished it all up. I'll post a close up of it tomorrow ... No, it's not a swivel as the whole block can rotate 180 degrees from right to left. Do you think I need a swivel? I've never used one before.

[sammyo]

I'm not a rigger but have flown a few kites. It's not uncommon for the chute to be launched and get a twist in the middle, gentle tugging on the sheets can work that out, but it does take a rotation at the top. I think you should talk to a rigger.

[Chasing Summer]

Sammyo ... Thanks for the input. Very good point. At this particular point in time it doesn't make much difference since the boat won't see water for another year and the mast is still laying horizontal ... but now is the time to plan and do it right. The bock I have on it was just in my "stuff box". I haven't started buying running rigging yet. I like your idea for the need for a swivel.