The bridle has three attachment points, one to each side of the boat at the chainplates, and a third to the center strongback. Johnson boats and recent model Melges (1700+ series) use the reinforced stem eye in the very back of the strongback (where the hiking straps are attached.) Earlier model Melges (e.g., MC 1521) have a reinforced stem eye located on the center strongback near the middle of the cockpit. These stem eyes/U-bolts are typically 1/4" thick.

Parts List:

• 16 or 18 feet - 1/8 inch 7x19 stainless steel cable (very flexible; e.g., West Marine 119198) -- see below for exact lengths needed
• 5 - 1/8" copper oval sleeves (e.g., West Marine 2684215)
• 3 - 1/8" stainless thimbles (e.g., West Marine 126763)
• 2 - 2 3/8" stainless carabiner (e.g., West Marine 115931)
• 1 - 1/2" shackle

Tools Needed:

• Tape measure
• Steel wire cutter
• Hand swaging tool

Construction:

I'll describe the finished dimensions first and then we'll discuss the construction of the unit. The standard way to measure is from end to end of the finished loops. While I provide exact dimensions, you may have to make final adjustments via shackle lengths in case you boat does not hang perfectly level on the hoist.

The length of wire coming from each chainplate to the center of the boat is 60" long. It is actually a continuous line with 1" loops at each end, and a 5" loop in the middle. So the total wire length for this part of the bridle is 124"; this allows an extra 2" at each end to make the 1" loops.

Cut length of wire (124") and slip both ends of the wire through an oval sleeve for the center loop; don't crimp it yet. Guide each wire end through another oval sleeve and back through the same sleeve to form the 1" loop. Add the thimble and crip sleeve. If you chose to purchase carabiners with an eye, slip these on before crimping sleeves.

Tie both 1" loops together and stretch cable to locate center of wire length. Move the loose sleeve 5" below that point and crimp it there.

The finished length of the center leg of the bridle will depend on the type boat you have:

• 52" -- older Melges
• 79" -- Johnson and newer Melges

Before cutting the wire, remember to add an extra 8" to allow for the 5" loop at the top (need 6" of wire), and 1" loop at the bottom (need 2" of wire). So you will need either 60" for the center leg if it attaches near the center of the cockpit, or 87" for Johnson and late model Melges boats that attach at the rear end of cockpit.

Slip one wire end through an oval sleeve, feed through large loop of first wire and back through sleeve to form a 5" loop; this connects the two wire lengths together. Crimp sleeve. At other end, run wire through sleeve and form 1" loop. Insert thimble and crimp sleeve.

Check the boat balance on your hoist and adjust as needed with different shackle lengths on the center leg.

Use:

I leave the center leg permanently attached in my boat with a shackle. When I need to lift the boat, the two carabiners are clipped through the rear holes on the chainplates and up she goes. While sailing, I coil the bridle and secure it with a Velcro strap glued to the side of the strongback at the very rear of the cockpit.

See you on the starting line!

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