Around the World of Sailing

13 March 2002

Short Tack: Non Metal Shackles

EquipeLite from Australia has introduced a shackle
not made of traditional shackle material- metal.

Their material of choice is SK75 Spectra which is looped to
take fitting loads. The cordage loop is cold molded. Also
used is an aluminum bobbin. A halyard, sheet or rope is
spliced around the bobbin as shown and the loop end is
passed through an opening in a sail or fitted and placed
over the shoulder groove of the fitting

Essentially you have a strong, light, non-damaging spectra
loop in place of the metal shackle. The Equiplite line
is both light and strong. A .2oz Spectra connector has a
breaking load of 5000 pounds. This is the same as a
2.2 ounce shackle. The biggest Equiplite weighs 1 ounce and
breaks at 55000 pounds, A 1.9 ounce J lock tops out at 8000
pounds.

Prices range from $ 65.00 up to $ 279.00. Contact Torresen
Marine for more information and suggested applications.

Links:
EquipLite
http://www.equiplite.com/index.jsp
Hall Rigging
http://www.hallrigging.com/Home_info2.html

Short Tack: Featured Brokerage
Available on line at:
http://www.torresen.com/news/atwos/2002/ma/0313/st.htm

This week, a French influenced vessel, a Dufour. This 25
footer is well equipped including Autopilot, Asymmetrical
Spinnaker, and interior room to Sleep 4.

Specifications
http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/view_more_boat.cgi?company=torresen&url=&boat_id=906723&align=left&units=Feet&page=broker&currency=USD&access=Public&listing_id=33264&mls_true=

Short Tack: February Weather
Available on line at:
http://www.torresen.com/news/atwos/2002/ma/0313/st.htm

Climate information for Muskegon MI

Average Temperature: 32.4°
Difference: +7°
High: 62°
Low: 12°
Precipitation: 1.98 inches
Snow: 6 inches
Average Wind Speed: 13.2 knots

Full Report at:
http://www.torresen.com/weather/wx/2002/fe02.htm