Shackles & fixings

Explore our Shackles & Fixings category, a vital collection of hardware for sailing yachts that ensures secure and reliable connections across rigging and deck applications. Whether you need traditional metal shackles, modern soft alternatives, or specialized fittings, selecting the correct shackle or fixing for your sailboat is critical for both performance and safety. Below, we provide a technical introduction to key categories, including snap shackles, D shackles, main halyard shackles, and many more.

Snap Shackles

Snap shackles are quick-release shackles commonly used for spinnaker sheets, halyards, or securing hardware on deck. Their spring-loaded mechanism allows for fast attachment and detachment, even under load. Available in stainless steel, snap shackles are highly durable and corrosion-resistant, ideal for high-stress, dynamic applications.

D Shackles

D shackles are versatile, multi-purpose shackles used throughout the yacht for securing standing rigging or attaching blocks. Their "D" shape minimizes lateral movement, providing a stable connection point. Stainless steel D shackles are popular for their high load capacity and corrosion resistance in marine environments.

Main Halyard Shackles

Main halyard shackles are specialized for halyard attachments, offering locking mechanisms to prevent accidental opening. They are designed to handle the high loads experienced when hoisting the mainsail, ensuring safe and reliable operation.

Carabiners

Carabiners provide quick and secure connections for various rigging tasks. They are often used in non-load bearing applications or as a safety backup. Typically made of lightweight materials such as aluminum, they offer ease of use and resistance to corrosion.

Soft Shackles

Made from ultra-strong Dyneema® fibers, soft shackles are lightweight, corrosion-resistant alternatives to metal shackles. They are ideal for applications requiring weight savings, flexibility, and strength, such as attaching blocks or halyards. There are very few applications where a soft shackle cannot replace a metal shackle and we are big fans of soft shackles and soft rigging attachments in general, here at upffront.com

Padeyes

Padeyes are deck-mounted fittings used to create strong anchor points for attaching shackles, blocks, or rigging. Available in fixed and swiveling configurations, padeyes provide versatile attachment points for routing lines and securing equipment on deck.

Sailing Dogbones

Dogbones are minimalist connectors that provide a lightweight, high-strength alternative to traditional shackles or carabiners. Commonly made from anodized aluminum or stainless steel, dogbones are a simple, maintenance free connection for the ends of rope or soft shackles.

Eye Straps

Eye straps are U-shaped fittings installed on the deck or bulkhead, used to secure lines, blocks, or other equipment. Their simple design makes them useful for a variety of attachment applications on board.

Sailing Rings

Our sailing rings category is dedicated to stainless steel and plastic rings commonly used as head, tack, clew or reef attachment points on sails.

Swivel Connectors

Swivel connectors allow two components to rotate independently, preventing lines from twisting or binding. They are typically used in spinnaker or genoa setups to maintain smooth operation.

U-Bolts and Eye Bolts

U-bolts and eye bolts are essential for securing rigging or hardware to the deck or bulkhead. They provide a strong attachment point for lines or other deck hardware equipment. 

Conclusion on Shackles

In our Shackles & Fixings category, you’ll find a comprehensive selection of high-quality products designed to ensure the performance and safety of your sailing yacht. Whether you need the quick-release functionality of snap shackles, the multidirectional load capacity of bow shackles, or the lightweight versatility of soft shackles, our collection covers all your rigging needs. From padeyes to dogbones, eye straps, and swivel connectors, each piece of hardware is designed for durability and long-lasting performance in the harsh marine environment. Shop our extensive range to find the best solution for your specific sailing needs.