Advice on a shackle?

[Kaa]

I have two galvanized iron bilge boards of about 90 lbs each. They are raised and lowered with the help of a line which leads to a winch in the cabin. The problem is how to attach the line to the bilge board.

That's how it works now:

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm161/kaa_photobucket/Bilgeboard_20080419_0011.jpg

The previous owner used a motorcycle chain link. Not a bad idea except that it rusts and doesn't look all that wonderful at the moment. I'd like to replace it.

A first-thought solution is to use a stainless shackle, but the whole thing must pass through a bilge board slot which is 3/4 inches wide. I glanced at shackles at a local store, but they're all too big, even the twist ones.

Ideas?

Kaa

[Michael Beckman]

Why not a direct eyesplice?

[StevenBauer]

I'm thinking a custom cast bronze motorcycle chain link. :D You always wanted to take that bronze casting course at the WoodenBoat School, no?


Steven

[Pierce Nichols]

The previous owner used a motorcycle chain link. Not a bad idea except that it rusts and doesn't look all that wonderful at the moment. I'd like to replace it.


Sounds like the only problem there is the material... and stainless roller chain is available from McMaster.

[George Ray]

use motorcycle link and as it rusts hit it with rust converter from Walmart a few times and it will only last 4-6 years.

[Jay Greer]

A stainless steel rigging toggle will allow you to attach to the board in the same manner as the chain link does.
Jay

[Kaa]

Ah, a rigging toggle. That's exactly what I need, it's just that I didn't know the name. Thank you, Jay.

Kaa

[Wooden Boat Fittings]

.
And a photo --

http://www.spade-anchor.co.uk/Chain%20Connection.jpg

with your thimble taking the place of the first link in the chain.

Mike

[Hwyl]

You have not looked really hard for shackles either.
But I agree the toggle would work, be nice to have something galvanised though.

[George Ray]

toggle seems a great solution

[MiddleAgesMan]

The chain link has the two attachment points aligned. The toggle's attachments are 90 degrees apart. The thimble would have to be less than 3/4 inch wide to work.

[Woxbox]

Ronstan, for one, makes a shackle that uses a slotted screw to tighten, keeping the width down, and in a size that ought to fit. Check out this page of options, http://www.apsltd.com/Tree/d270000/e267101.asp

[ChrisBen]

That slotted pin shackle is the same type used for the sail slides/slugs on your mainsail track. maybe just peen over the end of the screw so it doesn't back out.

[Canoeyawl]

A 300 series stainless chain connecting master link?
less than $5.00 - mcmaster-carr (http://www.mcmaster.com/)

[Kaa]

I've ordered this:
http://www.clrmarine.com/uploaded/images/Johnson_Marine/Rigging_toggle_F.jpg

Johnson Marine rigging toggles, $7.89 each :-)

Kaa