Who would have thought it. There are two different styles of Selden Snap-shackle of the correct size for our sail. And of course the one I found is the WRONG TYPE.
The subtle difference is that this new one has a groove on the opening end.
You need to see it:
Now there would be 100 situations where this would not matter a bit.
But this shackle goes through a hole in the top of our anchor roller to secure the furling drum to the deck. Well, that’s the problem. It doesn’t. It is too wide. It doesn’t bloomin’ fit.
Oh dear! That golden fleece is very hard to track down. You looked so pleased when you’d found it. I do hope that this unsuitable version is indeed a second type and not a REPLACEMENT for the original version…
As an ignorant landlubber (dive boats excepted, but they don’t usually have sails) I am very curious to know what a ‘code 0’ sail actually is? I am sure, though, that it will be very splendid when eventually shackled into place.
Good luck!
The Code 0 is a light sail that flies from the bow, and is easily furled (wrapped) and unfurled in a device that turns it round and round when the furling rope is pulled hard.
It makes it very easy to deploy and stow.
It flies like a small asymmetric spinnaker when going across the wind or away from the wind.
If the shackle also spun, as most of these snap shackles do, it wouldn’t turn the furling drum. Thus the problem.
Aha! Now I understand. Have fun! I am tracking your adventures with great interest and enjoyment.