Cordage choice

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Nov 18, 2006
183
Kirie Elite Elite 37 Moss Point MS
Looking to replace my main sheet on my 37 Kirie Elite. Never purchased a new main sheet, always just traded up boats that, with luck had sheets in good order. Looking at West Marine and Defender there are SO many choices of cordage that seem to apply to main sheets. Any suggestion as to which type to purchase? Not a racer here but ocasionally race against friends while transiting on weekend trips.....
 
Mar 20, 2012
3,983
Cal 34-III, MacGregor 25 Salem, Oregon
sta-set 3/8" for your boat.... in whatever color you like. its just good long lasting, affordable line....
 
Mar 1, 2012
2,182
1961 Rhodes Meridian 25 Texas coast
Second the Stay-set, but on a 37 footer you might want a little more than 3/8, just for hand ease. I'd replace with whatever size is on there now, but go with Stay-set
 
Jan 1, 2006
8,008
Slickcraft 26 Sailfish
Stay Set X is a bit stiff and doesn't run through blocks that well. It's not a bad choice for halyards but I'd look for something more bendable for a main sheet system. You don't need super low stretch. A tough cover and easy on the hands will be fine. I have a list but I need to drag it out, which I will do, of line I was considering for my main sheet replacement.
 
Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
Order line from this website. Excellent prices for top quality products. I would direct you away from staset-x.
 

Joe

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Jun 1, 2004
8,323
Catalina 27 Mission Bay, San Diego
New England Sta set is adequate line, although there is an extra charge for solid colors, which I prefer for a mainsheet application. (solid colors show less wear and dirt) Also the "hand" is average, at best.

I much prefer Samson Trophy Braid.... it is very comfortable in hand and grips the winch better than Sta-Set. No extra charge for solid colors.
http://www.apsltd.com/c-1504-trophy-braid-samson.aspx

On a 37 foot boat, with club race level line I'd go with 7/16" minimum size... Higher tech line would allow you to down size.. but you're talking big bucks...in any event your mainsheet blocks will determine maximum size. Again, on a 37 foot cruiser/casual racer... 3/8" is too small... All cordage manufacturer sites, and rigging service sites, will provide a size selection chart for all applications.

Oh..... Sta-Set X....absolutely not. That stuff sucks...it is stiff, very difficult to splice, and shows dirt in a heartbeat.... I hear they have solid colors now, because for years in only came in white with red flecks....... but the nature of the line is still the same. I built a halyard with the stuff years ago and could not wait to get rid of it..

Go with Samson Trophy Braid...you won't be sorry.
 
Apr 8, 2010
1,606
Frers 33 41426 Westport, CT
Sta set, or trophy braid, either will do great for a new main sheet. Sta set X is great for halyards, but horrible choice for sheet.
 
Apr 8, 2010
1,606
Frers 33 41426 Westport, CT
Stay set X is not good for anything.
Hauls my sails up quite nicely, doesn't stretch much, after 3 seasons no signs of UV degradation or chafing.

Pretty sure that fits the bill for a good halyard. :)
 

Toby

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Feb 4, 2013
1
Catalina 24 Tampa
Cordage and Wire Too!

Looking to replace my main sheet on my 37 Kirie Elite. Never purchased a new main sheet, always just traded up boats that, with luck had sheets in good order. Looking at West Marine and Defender there are SO many choices of cordage that seem to apply to main sheets. Any suggestion as to which type to purchase? Not a racer here but ocasionally race against friends while transiting on weekend trips.....
I agree with Frank's choices. I prefer Defender. Thank you Guys for all the opinionated wisdom and advise. This is a great website for real sailing info. I enjoy reading the threads. I am helping a friend (Lady Skipper) outfit her boat for an offshore voyage to the Grenadines. We have re-powered her HR Munson 31 with a small Volvo, cleaned up the wiring and plumbing and now we are doing the rigging and tanks. Does anyone have any insight as to how to gauge the maximum diameter for rigging (stays and shrouds) for a boat this small. She has talked with two 'riggers' already, but came away with no firm ideas as to cost and suitability of their proposed upgrades.
 
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