Break Test Extravaganza(s)

[allene]

Originally Posted by k7cej

I have made up two using AmSteel-Blue AS-78, 1/4" diameter, using the button knot with the ends tucked back through and buried.
1. I found it much easier to tie the button knot if I marked one side with black sharpie.
2. Boating friends were impressed, but asked a good question: "If you used one to connect genoa sheets to the sail, how secure would it be when the sail was flogging?" Does anyone have real world experience?
3. Has anyone used this to replace a main halyard shackle?

1) I agree
2) I use my "improved soft shackle" and find them quite secure. I have used them on my larger jibs for several years and never an issue. They tend to close under load, not open.
3) I use a soft shackle as part of the "hybrid soft halyard shackle" you can read about here http://L-36.com/HybridHalyard.php. I would not use one on a jib halyard as they do take more time to put on and off but on a main they work really nice.