I want to install reef lines and run them back to the cockpit on a 30 ft sailboat. I 'm not sure what size lines are needed. I am thinking of 1/4" line, is that adequate?
reffing line
- Thread starter DEB AND DION
- Start date
My 31 specs call for 3/8, but I like the smallest (least bulky) stuff on a boat that will do the job without compromise. Probably a throwback to my racing days. I am going to replace reefing this Spring and debating 5/16 vs 1/4. Bigger line has a better "hand," but reefing lines aren't worked constantly like sheets, or traveler lines. I would think 1/4" would suffice, but increases the need for vigilance to reef before the job is too great. You must also consider whether you have dedicated cleats for this purpose, as, depending on type, some are line size-specific.
Don't forget you have to grab the lines and pull on them. 1/4" is pretty small to but much pull on and not have it hurt your hands. Probably not a problem if you intend to use a winch all the time though.
On our 35' they are the same size as the main sheet and the main halyard which is 1/2". 1/4" sounds pretty small for a 30' boat. You want them to be similar in stretch to your main halyard otherwise you will get uneven stretch along the luff of the main from the top to bottom of the mast.
Yabut Woodster, back in '77 when that manual was made, most running rigging was double braid polyester.
Nowadays, we have all kinda of Dyneema, Spectra, and Vectran cored lines (and blended material lines) which are phenomenally strong, and would allow for smaller (and lighter) diameters than stretchy 3/8" double braid polyester originally specced.
So, if the original spec for reefing lines was 3/8", I wouldn't use 1/4" polyester double braid - not strong enough. But I would look up breaking strength specs on maybe Sta-Set 3/8", and match that to a similar strength hi-tech line in a 1/4" or 5/16" size.
Which all might be of no concern, if you look at it from a budget standpoint. It might be cheaper to get 3/8" double braid poly, than to get skinnier, stronger hi-tech lines.
Brian
Nowadays, we have all kinda of Dyneema, Spectra, and Vectran cored lines (and blended material lines) which are phenomenally strong, and would allow for smaller (and lighter) diameters than stretchy 3/8" double braid polyester originally specced.
So, if the original spec for reefing lines was 3/8", I wouldn't use 1/4" polyester double braid - not strong enough. But I would look up breaking strength specs on maybe Sta-Set 3/8", and match that to a similar strength hi-tech line in a 1/4" or 5/16" size.
Which all might be of no concern, if you look at it from a budget standpoint. It might be cheaper to get 3/8" double braid poly, than to get skinnier, stronger hi-tech lines.
Brian
Thin line not only cuts into your hands when you haul on it, it can chafe on the clew of the sail as well, and possibly ending up cutting through the sail if you reef enough, or end up getting chafed through itself. Thicker line will be easier to pull and should last a lot longer.
1/4" is too small, even if it can easily be strong enough.
1/4" is too small, even if it can easily be strong enough.
