The manual specifies 3/8 Dacron line for the halyards and reefing lines. Our boat came with 1/2 inch halyards. Our number 2 reef line is 3/8, and I'm debating going down to 8mm Spectra (5/16"?). Any thoughts on this? Thanks
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S.V. Wind Star
Rob & Margie Kyles: Auckland ,New Zealand
Mk I Hull #105 1983 Std Rig, Std Keel
Rob,
If your halyards are 1/2", I'm amazed that you haven't posted a complaint on how difficult it is to raise your main. The sheaves in the halyard system were sized for 3/8" line. I know of many owners who increased the size to 7/16" (myself included) because it "feels" better in your hands, but going up to 1/2" most likely created a significant amount of extra friction, specifically at the masthead sheaves. Getting back to your question, you could downsize your reefing line to a smaller/stronger line, but my question would be why? Is there something wrong with the current 3/8" reefing line? Going to 8mm Spectra would be rough on your hands, and more expensive, too. Just a thought.
Tom Sokoloski
C36/375IA Past Commodore
Noank, CT
[QUOTE=TomSoko;3693]Rob,
If your halyards are 1/2", I'm amazed that you haven't posted a complaint on how difficult it is to raise your main. The sheaves in the halyard system were sized for 3/8" line. I know of many owners who increased the size to 7/16" (myself included) because it "feels" better in your hands, but going up to 1/2" most likely created a significant amount of extra friction, specifically at the masthead sheaves. [/QUOTE]
Hmmm. Ignorance on my part! :o You're right, it [I]is [/I]difficult to raise the main... I can just do it on a windless day without using the winch, but usually I have to winch the last bit if there's a breeze. (If there's no breeze why rise the main??) :) It's actually a bit of a struggle raising the Genoa as well, but we don't have to do this very often. Would 10mm be quite strong enough?
[QUOTE=TomSoko;3693] Getting back to your question, you could downsize your reefing line to a smaller/stronger line, but my question would be why? Is there something wrong with the current 3/8" reefing line? Going to 8mm Spectra would be rough on your hands, and more expensive, too. Just a thought.[/QUOTE]
Yeah, I was a bit worried about how to hold the line... the reason is the "3/8" line is actually [I]10mm[/I] and it often catches the rope clutch as we winch the main back up when shaking out the second reef. A new reefing line would be cheaper than a new clutch... Not sure what else to do.
Thanks, Tom, you're input is much appreciated!
S.V. Wind Star
Rob & Margie Kyles: Auckland ,New Zealand
Mk I Hull #105 1983 Std Rig, Std Keel
And I, too, can speak with authority on upsizing from 3/8" after tearing up a halyard. Won't tell you how but slightly oversize line caused no end of trouble. It's now in my "fender hanging" collection.
There are some good upgrades to do to our boats but this ain't really one of them.
Bruce
Southern Comfort #1881
Tall rig, Wing Keel
Chesapeake Bay