Halyard sizes

Jan 30, 2017
74
Hunter legend 37 na
I ask alot of questions, one because I'm still learning and two, because i get good answers from you all.
I have a 88 hunter legend 37

I currently have 1/2 inch lines for my halyards and reefing lines. Ive heard that 1/2 inch is more than needed. Have any of you went with a smaller size line? All my lines need replaced and 1/2 inch is expensive. Could save a little money if i could go a little smaller.

Another question. I know i have a isomat mast. And im thinking its a 60 with a fractional rig. Does this sound right?

Thanks in advance
Lynn
 
Jun 8, 2004
10,376
-na -NA Anywhere USA
Lynn
There are two areas to look for information on your boat. Either looking first under boat information for your boat by size and year or the top reference of information online submitted by Phil herring. I looked already and could not see any reference to actual size. Contact this website store and advise Hunter 37, 1987-1988 and they should be able to tell you. A dear friend of mine now owns this and he was s former Hunter employee and well respected. Also Dave Groshong can assist you and he is trusted by me
Crazy Dave
 

SG

.
Feb 11, 2017
1,670
J/Boat J/160 Annapolis
RiverSloth,

The size of the halyard is a function of a number of factors: strength, stretch, abrasion resistance, and ease of HANDling. The other issues can be existing rope clutches, and winches.

From my reading of your prior posts, I wouldn't suggest that you change the diameter of the lines.

If you want to discuss the particulars, you might i) tell us what are the specs of the lines you have; and ii) whether it's halyards for main, jib, spinnaker; or, reefing clew and tack, out haul, Cunningham, etc. that you're asking about.

For your Hunter 37, unless you have some special need, I would assume that you are using more conventional Dacron (or Polyester) lines -- as opposed to Kevlar or more exotic, hi-strength, halyards and control lines.
 

dmax

.
Jul 29, 2018
1,157
Telstar 28 Buzzards Bay
I just put 7/16" halyards on my boat, it was the recommended size and seems fine.
 
Jan 30, 2017
74
Hunter legend 37 na
Im unsure as to the type of lines i have now. I just know they are in bad shape and need replaced. Currently i have 1/2 inch main, jib, and spinnaker and reefing lines. Second spinnaker that 5/8 , a topping lift and Staysail halyard also 5/8s., I want to keep all these lines at the mast, adding new exit blocks on the mast and eliminating all the blocks running forward should eliminate a lot of friction.
 
Jan 1, 2006
7,470
Slickcraft 26 Sailfish
I've posted before about liking extra low stretch halyards and probably reefing lines (In mast Furling)? I don't think the line diameter increasing lowers the stretch as much as getting the low stretch line materials (Dyeema). Other properties of good running rigging are the tendency to hockle (Kink), and it's ability to go around a block (Stiffness). For instance Sta-set X is very low stretch but its stiffness makes it a poor choice to go through a block - adds more friction. And you want to pay attention to UV resistance and abrasion. Try to look past the price comparison. Having quality running rigging makes you boat work better and be more pleasurable to sail.
 
Jun 9, 2008
1,792
- -- -Bayfield
I'm a fan of Samson, but there are a number of good cordage companies that offer low stretch lines for halyards. Lines for sheets have a different finish on them for grabbing. You definitely want low stretch halyards and of course you can buy super low stretch exotic lines, but for a cruising boat, not important, but low stretch is. Size, as mentioned above, has something to do with strength and diameter size also matches sheave sizes in the masthead, rope clutches, etc. In addition, a larger line is easier to hold with your hands than smaller lines - especially while under load due to larger sail sizes seen on larger boats. You can always cut corners to spend less, but sometimes that bites you and you end up spending more getting it right the second time.
 

Joe

.
Jun 1, 2004
8,161
Catalina 27 Mission Bay, San Diego
I don't see any reason you can't drop down to 7/16 with the same quality.... Samson LS, New England Sta-Set, etc. You may even go smaller, 3/8 for instance, by switching to dyneema or technora cored halyards. Just compare the strength ratings.... and whether the size changes will still fit your boat hardware...especially the self tailing winches and clutches.
 

FDL S2

.
Jun 29, 2014
479
S2 7.3 Fond du Lac
whether the size changes will still fit your boat hardware...especially the self tailing winches and clutches.
Make sure smaller lines will work in your clutches! It is usually recommended if your clutches are old or worn that you go up one size in line. So test some 7/16 line in them before you replace your halyards, or you may be replacing clutches or buying more line.
 
Jan 1, 2006
7,470
Slickcraft 26 Sailfish
Make sure smaller lines will work in your clutches! It is usually recommended if your clutches are old or worn that you go up one size in line. So test some 7/16 line in them before you replace your halyards, or you may be replacing clutches or buying more line.
Absolutely! I have 100' of Salsa dingy painter to prove it.
 
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AlexB

.
Aug 9, 2016
37
C&C 36 Great Kills harbor.
I ask alot of questions, one because I'm still learning and two, because i get good answers from you all.
I have a 88 hunter legend 37

I currently have 1/2 inch lines for my halyards and reefing lines. Ive heard that 1/2 inch is more than needed. Have any of you went with a smaller size line? All my lines need replaced and 1/2 inch is expensive. Could save a little money if i could go a little smaller.

Another question. I know i have a isomat mast. And im thinking its a 60 with a fractional rig. Does this sound right?

Thanks in advance
Lynn