How do you guys attach the mainsheet to the bridle on your Sunfish. Mine is a 1978 with a three loop bridle and the mainsheet will occasionally come loose when coming about which is very annoying. I am currently using one of these to attach it. http://www.intensitysails.com/ststspgasnho.html
Just wondering if there are any better gate hooks out there, or should I just get rid of the three loop bridle and and the hook and tie it on with a bowline?
I'm having the same problem. I just got a "snap trigger" hook with a swivel and I hope using it instead of the "quick" hook clip, which has no swivel, will solve the problem. I'm thinking the swivel part helps a lot - I will find out this weekend.
They sell the brass hooks used on the original Sunfish at Lowes, Ace Hardware, etc. They even sometimes have stainless ones. You could replace what you have with a new one or as suggested just tie it off.
I guess the line having no relief from twisting (such as a swivel), when a bowline is used, does not cause any problems? I'd also think the bridle would cut the bowline loop after a long while - or at least cause a wear spot in that part of the mainsheet... but I guess not.
I'll try the figure eight knot next time BB, thanks.
Sometimes I forget the differences between a Phantom and a Sunfish. The Phantom doesn't really have a bridle. I would consider it a traveler. It consists of a piece of line with a plastic ring. I tie the mainsheet to the ring with a bowline and the ring slides on the line. No wear on the mainsheet.