Proper Orientation of an Anchor Shackle

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anchor

The photo on the bottom of page 9 in PSs October 2016 issue showed the sharp edges of the anchor and a shackle inserted in it. The text spoke about the sharp edges of the anchor and its propensity to wear on the shackle. My question: Why wouldnt you put the pin through the anchor and let the high sides of the shackle protect the shackle from wear? You still have the rounded part of the shackle for the chain to swivel on as the boat moves side to side. What am I missing here? I have 30 feet of chain on our Compac 23/II with a galvanized shackle (that look just like the chain and shackle in the photo at the top of the same page). Ive had it for 32 years so far.

Martin Martensen

Brightstar, Cal 34

Galveston Bay, Texas

Choosing a properly sized, high-quality shackle is important, but its also essential to be familiar with proper use. The typical anchor shackle is a galvanized bow shackle, with the bow (not the pin) passing through the oversized slot in the anchor shank. In some cases, a D shackle is used, but only when there is no slot in the shank. Examples of slot-less anchors include the CQR, Guardian, and the Manson Ray.

Perhaps the best example of why you don’t want the shackle pin going through a slotted anchor is illustrated in our first anchor shackle report, Anchor Shackles: The $15 Insurance Policy (PS August 2015 online). All of the shackle failures in that test occurred as loads concentrated at the pin threads as the shackle was pried open. By inserting the bow into the slot, you give the link more freedom of movement and greatly reduce the chance of failure if the anchor does not rotate to face the load in a wind shift.

Darrell Nicholson
Practical Sailor has been independently testing and reporting on sailboats and sailing gear for more than 50 years. Supported entirely by subscribers, Practical Sailor accepts no advertising. Its independent tests are carried out by experienced sailors and marine industry professionals dedicated to providing objective evaluation and reporting about boats, gear, and the skills required to cross oceans. Practical Sailor is edited by Darrell Nicholson, a long-time liveaboard sailor and trans-Pacific cruiser who has been director of Belvoir Media Group's marine division since 2005. He holds a U.S. Coast Guard 100-ton Master license, has logged tens of thousands of miles in three oceans, and has skippered everything from pilot boats to day charter cats. His weekly blog Inside Practical Sailor offers an inside look at current research and gear tests at Practical Sailor, while his award-winning column,"Rhumb Lines," tracks boating trends and reflects upon the sailing life. He sails a Sparkman & Stephens-designed Yankee 30 out of St. Petersburg, Florida. You can reach him by email at practicalsailor@belvoir.com.