shackle bent at the pedestal controlling main

[elvatoli]

Since I bought the boat the shackle at the console conected to the main controller halyard is bent. For me it looks like not to strong or strong enough.
What do I have to look for to replace it ?
Size or brand or strenght, etc.

Thank you
Hector
Port Isabel, Texas

[waternwaves]

The shackle is the weak point, and should fail first.

replace with the same size.

[Hamin' X]

Failure of the main sheet shackle is usually related to not sheeting the main in all the way before gybing. This puts tremendous strain on that point when the boom slams across. Agreed, replace with the same size, of good quality, from a marine chandlery.

~Rich

[Catigale]

I replaced my stock ones with stronger snap shackles that let you release the main sheet from the pedestal if you want. We often do this at anchor, to move the boom out of the cockpit.

This does potentially move the weak link to the pedestal, as noted. Ive elected to mitigate this by being careful when I gybe, a personal choice.

[Hamin' X]

I guess that we need to establish what kind of shackle that he has. I checked the manual and a snap shackle is not standard. Mine came with a snap shackle, I suspect because it is a BWY boat, but may have been place there by a previous owner. Definitely go with a snap shackle.

~Rich

[bscott]

Garhauer, Ronstan, Harken sells high quality snap shackles--I always harden up the main sheet and hand hold it when I tack and always center it on a gybe. To much stress on the rigging otherwise

Bob