1/4" vs 3/8" topping lift line

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Laura's picture
Laura
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Joined: 12/23/07
Posts: 150
1/4" vs 3/8" topping lift line

Grretings
I went to replace my topping lift line and was working off the dimension from the manual vs what turns out to be currently on the boat.
Manual said 1/4 " and that is what I purchased but now see slitghly different size now that I am at the boat.
Any opinions on going ahead with the nice new 1/4" or do I need the extra bit of line strength?

Laura Olsen
Commodore C36/375IA
S/V Miramar
hull 938 (MKI 1989, TR,WK, M25xp)
Edgemere, MD

gmackey
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Joined: 5/14/10
Posts: 46

Laura,

I have frequently found over-sized lines on my boats installed by the POs. I understand that this is done because thicker lines are more comfortable to handle.

The problem can be that the sheaves and blocks are not sized for larger lines, and binding can result - I have encountered this several times. I use the Catalina spec. whenever I replace lines.

Strength is not an issue with your topping lift at all. If I was concerned with the strength of a given line, I would buy stronger line, not thicker line.

Cheers,
Graham

Graham Mackey
SV Nostromo
1989 C36 908
Tall Rig/Wing Keel
Toronto, Canada

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chs1517
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Joined: 11/17/09
Posts: 113

I replaced my topping lift line last week with a 5/16" (which matched the existing line). I also replaced my jib furler line with 3/8". The topping lift line was worn at the topping lift block and the furler line just looked old and weathered...

Chris

Chris Stewart
S/V "24~7"
1984 Catalina 36 Tall
Hull #251 M25
(SF Bay) Alameda, CA

sceptre1
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Joined: 8/28/09
Posts: 77

Laura,
I replaced my topping lift two years ago with 1/4" Staset, it's been working well for me and I don't see any reason to go to 3/8", that's overkill!
Tony

Tony Cullen
s/v Sceptre
1995 C-36 MkII 1449 TR/FK
San Diego, CA. (Chula Vista Marina)

sceptre1
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Joined: 8/28/09
Posts: 77

Chris,
I replaced my furling line last year with 3/8" Samson XS, although it is perfectly adequate I find the line a little small for handling, especially with wet and/or gloved hands. I'm thinking of going up to a slightly larger line and removing ten or so feet of the core at the furling end so that the drum can accommodate the larger line.
Tony

Tony Cullen
s/v Sceptre
1995 C-36 MkII 1449 TR/FK
San Diego, CA. (Chula Vista Marina)

sceptre1
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Joined: 8/28/09
Posts: 77

Laura,
I replaced my topping lift two years ago with 1/4" Staset, it's been working well for me and I don't see any reason to go to 3/8", that's overkill!
Tony

Tony Cullen
s/v Sceptre
1995 C-36 MkII 1449 TR/FK
San Diego, CA. (Chula Vista Marina)

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StephenK
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Joined: 6/16/08
Posts: 129

Laura,

I went with 5/16 for my topping lift and a pleased with that decision. In my opinion the 3/8th's is not needed.

Stephen Kruse
Kruse Control #1428
1995 C-36 MKII SR/WK
Lake Lanier, Ga.

BudStreet
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Joined: 9/4/09
Posts: 1127

Using a bigger line gives you the option of using the topping lift for a main halyard if the main breaks or you lose it up the mast. Unless you have Dutchman furling like we do in which case there's no point in upsizing that I can think of.

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