I have a 37.5 legend with the Dutchman flaking system. While out in moderate winds today, 10 - 15, it broke. Did I do something wrong? Or is it just age as this is probably original equip on this 1993 Hunter. Also, how do I replace?
Dutchman broke!
- Thread starter glandry924
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It doesn't mean you did anything wrong but there is a trick to handling a Dutchmen. I don't know what your topping lift arrangement is but here is how I handled mine. First of all when raising make sure that your lines are straight up and down. Make sure the topping lift and the mainsheet are snug. Raise the sail. Once it is up ease your topping line. Your Dutchmen lines should also ease so that as you sail they are not flopping about but neither are they taut against the sail. When you are dousing, head up and be sure the boom is centered, tighten the topping line and then snug the mainsheet. Again, make sure your lines are straight and then blow the halyard. But it seems a fact of life with a Dutchmen flaking system (and I had two boats with the Dutchmen) that the lines break even when you are careful. You could do what I did which was to dump the Dutchmen and install a very nice on the boom sail cradle like what UK makes. 
Consider yourself lucky you got so many years out of monofilament line exposed to UV radiation. Princess makes good points but no matter how careful you are, they eventually break and that is precisely what they should do when stressed beyond their design limit.
weed eater line can be bought for cheap. bring a sample along to get the right diameter. I don't think the diameter is critical and opted for the next larger size. It comes in fancy colors too.
Line rated for UV exposure is important; I'm not sure that the common string trimmer line is UV rated. Maybe Bill will chime in with the years of service he gets with the trimmer line. Dutchman has the right stuff, and in their owner's manual it says to tell them that you read the manual and they will give you a free set of line for your system. Otherwise you can buy the line from them in various lengths- a specific kit for your system or bulk length that will be enough for a couple changes.
I have found that regular weedwacker line for HD will hold for 2 to 3 years and then needs to be replaced.
Call Dutchman. The spec line will cost you less than $10.00 including shipping, that will be enough for two replacements., and they will answer any questions you have about installing, and/or why it broke . . . mine lasted 6 or 7 years.
Fishing leader is a great sub for the line and you will find that you can even purchase an entire roll for a nominial cost. Perhaps 400 lb test. That is what I have been using for many years, I'm not positive about the rating but if anyone wants to know I can check the next trip to the boat.
Bob
Bob
Yes, order the line from "The Dutchman" (UV stabilized, but weed wacker line will work in a pinch). Also be sure that they are properly tensioned. If they are too loose, you may catch a forward line on the spreaders.
If you read the manual
Hidden in there is how to get the line free or at the most pay 5$ for replacement
Its their incentive I guess of reading it
Nice guys
Hidden in there is how to get the line free or at the most pay 5$ for replacement
Its their incentive I guess of reading it
Nice guys
I noticed I was 6 months too late before anyone asks
I was googling for the line, found this, hit the manual and found that sentence so wanted to post for others
I was googling for the line, found this, hit the manual and found that sentence so wanted to post for others
You should read the manual for everything that is on your boat.If you read the manual
Hidden in there is how to get the line free or at the most pay 5$ for replacement
Its their incentive I guess of reading it
Nice guys
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