Wichard HR Bow Shackle Ω 12mm High Resistance

10,000kg Breaking Load, only 224g in weight and the extra connection space of a Bow / Ω shackle.

The Wichard HR Bow Shackle Ω 12mm #11246 combines exceptional mechanical strength with a versatile wide-body design.

Manufactured from forged HR 17-4 PH stainless steel, this high-performance marine shackle is specifically designed for applications requiring high loads. Its Bow / Ω geometry also provides more internal room, making it particularly useful when additional connection space or the attachment of several lines or cables is required.

HR – High Resistance Stainless Steel

The HR designation stands for High Resistance.

Wichard manufactures the #11246 from 17-4 PH high-resistance stainless steel, combining the material with forged construction to achieve outstanding working and breaking loads.

According to Wichard, an HR shackle can be up to 60% more resistant than a comparable shackle made from 316L stainless steel.

For demanding sailing and rigging applications, this means serious mechanical performance without unnecessarily increasing the size or weight of the hardware.

Forged for High Loads

The Wichard #11246 features a forged construction rather than simply being formed from stainless steel.

Wichard has extensive expertise in precision forging, and the HR shackle range is designed specifically to deliver outstanding working loads.

The result is a compact piece of marine hardware that combines high strength, relatively low weight and clearly specified load ratings.

Bow / Ω Shape – More Connection Space

One of the biggest advantages of the #11246 is its Bow / Ω geometry.

Compared with the narrower profile of a conventional D shackle, the wider rounded body provides more internal space.

Wichard specifically recommends this HR Bow Shackle for applications where:

• High loads are required
• Ample internal room is needed
• Several lines or cables need to be attached

This makes the Ω shape especially versatile for suitable sailing and rigging configurations.

12mm Diameter

The correct nominal diameter for Wichard Part #11246 is:

Ø12mm

Despite its compact 12mm construction, the shackle provides a 3,600kg nautical Working Load and 10,000kg Breaking Load.

This exceptional strength-to-size ratio is one of the main reasons to choose an HR shackle for demanding marine hardware applications.

3,600kg Nautical Working Load

For nautical applications, Wichard specifies:

Working Load: 3,600kg

This is the relevant Working Load figure for marine applications of the #11246.

The high Working Load makes it a serious choice for appropriately specified sailing, yacht and rigging applications where conventional lower-strength hardware may not provide sufficient capacity.

10,000kg Breaking Load

The #11246 delivers an impressive:

Breaking Load: 10,000kg / 10 tonnes

A 10-tonne Breaking Load from a 12mm bow shackle demonstrates the mechanical performance of Wichard’s HR forged construction.

The Breaking Load must not be confused with the Working Load. It represents ultimate strength and is not the permissible everyday operating load.

Industrial WLL – 2,000kg

For industrial applications, Wichard specifies:

WLL: 2,000kg

Wichard states that this Working Load Limit applies only to industrial applications. The WLL uses a safety factor of five relative to Breaking Load:

10,000kg ÷ 5 = 2,000kg WLL.

The three important figures are therefore:

Only 224g

Despite its 10,000kg Breaking Load, the Wichard #11246 weighs just:

224g

This gives the shackle an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio.

For performance sailing, racing and weight-conscious marine installations, achieving such a high load capacity from a compact 224g component is a significant advantage.

Bow Shackle Ω vs D Shackle

Choosing between a Bow Shackle and D Shackle depends on the connection.

A D shackle has a narrower body and creates a more compact connection point.

A Bow / Ω Shackle features a wider rounded profile, creating additional internal room. For the #11246, Wichard specifically highlights this extra space and the possibility of attaching several lines or cables.

When you need both high strength and additional connection space, the Bow / Ω design offers a practical advantage.

CE Marked

The Wichard HR Bow Shackle #11246 is CE marked. Wichard’s technical information specifies an industrial WLL of 2,000kg, with a safety factor of five against the 10,000kg Breaking Load.

Wichard’s shackle operating instructions identify HR shackles as being manufactured from hardened martensitic stainless steel AISI 630, corresponding to 17-4 PH.

Important – Not for Mooring

Wichard specifically states that the #11246:

Must not be used for mooring applications.

This is important. A high Breaking Load does not automatically make a shackle suitable for every marine application or loading condition.

Why Choose the Wichard HR Bow Shackle Ω 12mm?

• Genuine Wichard HR Bow Shackle
• Wichard Part Number 11246
• 12mm diameter
• Bow / Ω geometry
• Forged construction
• HR 17-4 PH stainless steel
• Up to 60% more resistant than a comparable 316L shackle
• Nautical Working Load: 3,600kg
• Industrial WLL: 2,000kg
• Breaking Load: 10,000kg
• Weight: only 224g
• Wide Bow profile provides additional internal room
• Allows several compatible lines or cables to be attached
• Designed for high-load applications
• CE marking
• Excellent strength-to-weight ratio
• Made in France
• Not suitable for mooring

Technical Specifications