Narrow shackle,

[nuru05]

So I've got a bit of a problem, the bow roller on my moody 425 is extremely narrow and I can't seem to find an anchor shackle for it. It's only about 1.75" wide so everything I try gets jammed. It's 3/8 chain which I believe is oversized for the boat so I'm wondering if it's just better to downsize to a 3/8" shackle (instead of a 7/16" like I'm supposed to use) or if anyone has any suggestions on what i can use. When I bought it there was a lewmar swivel on it which is narrow enough but I'm not sure I trust it and don't like it connected directly to the anchor due to side loading risk.

Could I upsize to a 5/8" or something and use a twist shackle?

[Uncle Bob]

Originally Posted by nuru05

So I've got a bit of a problem, the bow roller on my moody 425 is extremely narrow and I can't seem to find an anchor shackle for it. It's only about 1.75" wide so everything I try gets jammed. It's 3/8 chain which I believe is oversized for the boat so I'm wondering if it's just better to downsize to a 3/8" shackle (instead of a 7/16" like I'm supposed to use) or if anyone has any suggestions on what i can use. When I bought it there was a lewmar swivel on it which is narrow enough but I'm not sure I trust it and don't like it connected directly to the anchor due to side loading risk.

Could I upsize to a 5/8" or something and use a twist shackle?

Have you tried a twisted shackle? Worked for me in a similar situation.

[nuru05]

Originally Posted by Uncle Bob

Have you tried a twisted shackle? Worked for me in a similar situation.

lol, I think I edited to ask about that as you were posting. Is this a safe option? I've noticed that twisted shackles have a significantly lower WLL, How much do I actually need to be able to sleep soundly on a 24,000# boat?

[Benz]

While it's not ideal in a galvanized system, you can use a stainless steel shackle, of which there are a lot more options. Stainless shackles seem to be rated stronger than galvanized ones of the same size. I've had to use that setup sometimes, and I keep a close eye on the stainless and replace it often in case of crevice corrosion.
I do wish there were more variety of shape and configuration in galvanized shackles, though. The other day I was desiring of a long "D" shape.

[nuru05]

Originally Posted by Benz

While it's not ideal in a galvanized system, you can use a stainless steel shackle, of which there are a lot more options. Stainless shackles seem to be rated stronger than galvanized ones of the same size. I've had to use that setup sometimes, and I keep a close eye on the stainless and replace it often in case of crevice corrosion.
I do wish there were more variety of shape and configuration in galvanized shackles, though. The other day I was desiring of a long "D" shape.

That might not be a bad idea, honestly they are cheap enough that even if I have to replace it every year it's not a big deal. How much of a WLL do I need to be safe?

[Kettlewell]

Wichard makes these really nice allen head shackles that remove the obstruction of the pin sticking out from the body. https://marine.wichard.com/en/stainl...kles/part-1306

[deblen]

Crosby may have something : https://www.thecrosbygroup.com/catal...d-accessories/

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by Kettlewell

Wichard makes these really nice allen head shackles that remove the obstruction of the pin sticking out from the body. https://marine.wichard.com/en/stainl...kles/part-1306

I've used these. Narrower and much smoother running through the bow roller.

[Ivanvet]

Hi,
I had a similar situation when I replaced my bowsprit. I spent a long time looking for a strong enough shackle that is narrow, and I found that Petersen High Tensile stainless steel shackles fit. They have a model with a countersink screw pin which makes them narrower than the standard crew pin.
You can find them at west marine if you are in the us or jimmy green if you are in Europe.

Good luck,

I.

[nuru05]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

I've used these. Narrower and much smoother running through the bow roller.

Is it strong enough? The WLL is only 3200# for the one that will work.

[mvweebles]

While I have a bit more room than OP, definitely had problems with shackle snagging. I considered the Allen head shackle but decided against because I could not mouse it. I decided to go with a swivel - Mantus Marine, though there are others. Mantus also sells bow shackles that have a hex head with mousing hole that appear to be lower profile that the standard shackle with flat tang.

https://www.mantusmarine.com/product/s2-mantus-swivel-copy/

https://www.mantusmarine.com/product/shackles/

[nuru05]

Originally Posted by mvweebles

While I have a bit more room than OP, definitely had problems with shackle snagging. I considered the Allen head shackle but decided against because I could not mouse it. I decided to go with a swivel - Mantus Marine, though there are others. Mantus also sells bow shackles that have a hex head with mousing hole that appear to be lower profile that the standard shackle with flat tang.

https://www.mantusmarine.com/product...s-swivel-copy/

https://www.mantusmarine.com/product/shackles/

I actually have the mantus shackle currently and it's too big, I have to straddle the bow roller and lift it over each time, this lead to having to give myself a few stitches last summer when a wave rocked me and I fell in the anchor locker. I had the same thought about the lack of wire on it, but I am going to use permanent locktite and just check it frequently.

I wonder if I could just spot welt it into place. The shackles are cheap enough that even if I have to cut it off to change out links every couple years it's not a big deal.

[mvweebles]

Given your situation, Loctite on Allen head bolt sounds reasonable. I don't anchor for more than a few days at a time so I would be able to inspect it regularly.

Spot weld makes sense too if you have easy access to a welder.

Good luck. Funny how even decent boats have BS things like this.....

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by mvweebles

Given your situation, Loctite on Allen head bolt sounds reasonable. I don't anchor for more than a few days at a time so I would be able to inspect it regularly.

Spot weld makes sense too if you have easy access to a welder.

Good luck. Funny how even decent boats have BS things like this.....

I've been using them for years. I think they are reliable.


You can loop a soft shackle through for an extra safety if you want.


You can spot weld it to make it permanent, if you want.


You can drill through the pin and shackle so you could mouse it.


OR you can just trust the Loctite, which I think is OK too.

[Benz]

Originally Posted by nuru05

Is it strong enough? The WLL is only 3200# for the one that will work.

WLL is deceptive, since it's calculated differently for different industries, and the same shackle will have different published WLLs depending on where it is in the catalog. 2:1 and 5:1 are common WLL calcs.
You should find out the breaking load (BL) of every part of the system, and try to match that, rather than puzzling over uncertain WLLs.