Halyard Hitch or Eye Splice

[allanbranch]

Should I eye splice my halyard snap shackles on or tie with a halyard hitch?

and why?

[The Garbone]

I do halyard hitch and whip the ends myself. I have the fids but just have not spent the time to learn. I think it is a preference thing really. I like knots.

[estarzinger]

It all depends of distance to and width of sheave.

A splice is prefered (stronger and cleaner) if the tapered bury of the splice will not jam in the sheave.

But if the top of the mainsail is close to the sheave and the sheave is narrow then sometimes a splice bury will jam in the sheave and you use the halyard hitch.

[Stumble]

Splicing is far stronger and more reliable. Then use a soft shackle to attach the halyard to the sail.