[C320-list] Asymetric tacker using "Parrell Beads"

[Irv Grunes]

Warren,
Thanks for the reply.

To those that may be interested, the neilprydesails.com tacker sells for $52
delivered.
It is a string of 1.25 inch plastic balls strung on a 30 inch Stainless
steel cable with two loops.

I am making something like it, but using a carabiner shackle not only to
close the ends, but can include a snapshackle to tie to the sail tack and be
the connection point for the tacker down haul is the link for the final
piece of the puzzel for a tacker in place of the atninc.tacker at $200.00
plus

Irv Grunes
Isle of Wight #851




-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com]On Behalf Of Warren Updike
Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2007 12:52 PM
To: c320-list at catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Asymetric tacker using "Parrell Beads"


Irv, I couldn't find a picture; but, can describe what I did.  At a craft
store I bought 1" round wood balls.  Larger is better as they roll with less
resistance over the furled headsail.  I did not finish the balls in any way
thinking I would not have the chute out in weather.  Next measure the
distance around the furled headsail.  You want a loop large enough to not
bind on the sail.  Bigger is better than smaller.  Drill the balls through
the center of the grain larger than the wire size.  Then at a WM store that
has a crimping workbench (not all do,) I used a thimble and crimped it on
the wire.  Then strung the balls and put another thimble on the other end.
That's the bead set.

I used a carabiner through the thimbles to attach it to the head cringle on
the sail.  Actually, I probably attached the carabiner to the shackle on the
halyard: less stress on the cringle.

That's it.  I sold the beads with the sail 4 years ago.

Warren & Pattie Updike
C320, #62, 1994, "Warr De Mar"
Frog Mortar Creek, Middle River
Chesapeake Bay