H23 Replacing the Main and Jib Sheets

[Jack Kelly]

We need to replace our jib and main sheets - We are the second owner and they don't appear to be original... We have a standard jib. The jib sheets are not the same lenth - one is 22 feet and the other 29 feet. The main sheet is approx. 32 feet. Curious if any of the seasoned H23 owners have suggested lengths for these sheets. I checked the archives quickly and didn't see much advice. I'm also curious if we should go with 5/16 or 3/8? Thanks!! Jack.

 

[John]

My sheets

Jack,I replaced my sheets two weeks ago. My main is 37 feet and each jib sheet is 40 feet. I sail single handed most of the time. A longer jib sheet ensures that there is line left in the cockpit after a tack in heavy winds. I use 3/8 line because a bigger line is just easier to handle. Hope this piece of information is of some use to you.John

 

[Wanderer138]

Sounds about right

The 3/8 braid is easier on the hands. You might be better off buying the sheets a few feet longer than suggested, as sheets start to wear first where they go through the cleats and sheaves. When you see signs of wear, cut off a couple of feet at the fast end and move the line in. This exposes relatively unworn line to the cleats and sheaves, essentially giving you new sheets at no cost.PeterH23 "Raven"