Running Rigging

[Mr Mac]

I'm not going to beat around the bush here, I know squat about rope! I plan to replace the running rigging (mind you, there's not too much of it) for our '82 H25 but I wouldn't know if there is one manufacturer that is better than another or if spending more in this case is better or pointless.

Our sailing will be on Lake Carlyle across the state line in Illinois and we won't be racing, just casual lake cruising on weekends. The reason for replacing them, by the way, is that they are old (look to be original) and filthy. I know I need to size them all for length and diameter/thickness but past that, I'm a newb!

So, what do I need to look for in new running rigging? Any particular material or type over another, etc.?

 

[rufus1138]

lol its line mac, also no brand doesnt matter as long as its marketed as sailing application, find a west marine and get the basic bargain stuff there and you will make out pretty much even with what you would get in discounts but having to wait instead of walking out with it then and there.

 

[rufus1138]

also for anything running in block and tackle applications regatta braid is amazing, a little more stretch but it wont snaggle up going thru a fairlead like yacht braid will, yacht braid is for single purchase sheets (jib) and halyards, anything like vangs and especially mainsheets that runs in block and tackle and/or has to navigate fairleads and turns its very much worth it to use regatta braid.

 

[Fred Villiard]

Check the site store.

 

[Mr Mac]

Check the site store.

I actually did look at the store first but I think I can do better price wise, though, they'll get first shot at it. We have a West Marine pretty close so I can check there as well.

 

[Mr Mac]

lol its line mac, also no brand doesnt matter as long as its marketed as sailing application, find a west marine and get the basic bargain stuff there and you will make out pretty much even with what you would get in discounts but having to wait instead of walking out with it then and there.

I planned on leaving early today and stopping there to see what they have available. As for calling it line...learn something new every day!

also for anything running in block and tackle applications regatta braid is amazing, a little more stretch but it wont snaggle up going thru a fairlead like yacht braid will, yacht braid is for single purchase sheets (jib) and halyards, anything like vangs and especially mainsheets that runs in block and tackle and/or has to navigate fairleads and turns its very much worth it to use regatta braid.

The only spot I have that is the traveler so I'll look at the regatta braid also. Thanks for the tip!

Mac

 

[rufus1138]

I planned on leaving early today and stopping there to see what they have available. As for calling it line...learn something new every day!


The only spot I have that is the traveler so I'll look at the regatta braid also. Thanks for the tip!

Mac

be careful about any advise you follow from any west marine associate, just because they got hired doesnt mean they know anything about sailboats, the guy cutting the line for my mainsheet looked like he thought i was insane but you couldnt pay me to put yacht braid back in my mainsheet system.

 

[Mr Mac]

I found that out while at the WM store in another state (WI)!

 

[Mr Mac]

I do think I'll remove them all (leaving a pull string behind for the halyards) and see what kind of shape they're really in. Perhaps I'll save money with a good dunking and agitation in some soapy water.

 

[s sauer]

Halyard replacement

There is more to your decision than cost. As seen earlier the way line runs thru blocks is important; for a racer , low stretch and weight would also be important. However, don't overlook the issue of eye splicing your snap shackles onto the new halyards. If you are a novice you may not feel competent to do those splices, and first of all could order pre-made halyards witht new shackles at significant cost, or check if the local West Marine will splice your existing shackles onto the new halyards. Should never need to increase the line diameter as it may jamb in the mast head sheaves. The newer high-tech lines are stronger and lower stretch than any original equipment, so you can go with smaller diameter higher strength. Lastly, the halyard line diameter and texture should be user friendly on your hands and have the right 'feel'. Lastly, divide the cost by how many years you will likely have those halyards.

 

[Steve Dion]

You can start shopping for your running rigging on this site. They have most of the measurements available.