Halyard and Sheet Replacement

[Steve21992]

It's time again to replace some lines on our ex-Moorings Beneteau 440
In particular the Main Halyard and the Genoa Sheets.
I've gone to specs and find that both are speced as 1/2 in lines.
Our present Genoa sheets are much heavier than the 1/2 in main halyard, probably at least 3/4 in (boat is in Grenada I am in Canada!).
Any input on recommended line sizing would be much appreciated.
Boat is used exclusively for live aboard cruising and operated by Master and Mate (70 Years) otherwise known as Admiral and Skipper.

Thanks,

Steve B

 

[Dave Groshong]

1/2 inch is plenty big for sheets in my book, I like Samson XLS. For a halyard, you will pay a little more, but Samson MLX, or XLS Extra-T 7/16 inch will work great, here's a link to our Rigging Builder page where you can review line ratings and specify pretty much anything you want in regards to shackles, eye splices and whipping:

http://shop.sailboatowners.com/rigging_builder/detail-builder.htm?group=1417

 

[Anonymous 121765]

Steve,

Dave's input is sound. 3/4" may be too big if not what Beneteau recommended.
I don't know if you were ever up to the top of your mast. to see for yourself but, the halyard sheaves/pulleys are sized for the correct line size. Any rope larger in diameter will make a difference in friction.

Case in point, my previous owner had halyards larger than Catalina recommended for my boat. I put up with a hard to raise, hard to pull down & douse mainsail. When it came time to change halyards out, I contacted Catalina, got the correct rope size & now, my halyards especially the main, goes up like butter & drops like hot butter. All is now soo easy.

Specs are to be adhered to as, that is how the boat was designed. I would recommend if you have wire to rope halyards, change these out to all rope with no cable.

Just go with what Beneteau specifies pal.

CR

 

[Charlie Jones s/v Tehani]

Agree on the halyards, but not on the sheets.

I'm 73, and at our age, the larger sheets are FAR easier to handle. Maybe not 3/4, but certainly larger than 1/2. Especially on a 44 foot boat.

And WHY are you in Canada instead of Grenada at THIS time of year?????

 

[Anonymous 121765]

Ts,

I agree with you pal, a larger size line fits better in the hand.

Maybe, if we all had the same size hands, life would be easier.
At 73, you're a better man than I Gunga Din.............

I have a 78 year old boat neighbor that STILL plays competitive POLO.
And, he always gets injured but that doesn't stop him.

I always tell him, I believe his wife must be a saint.
At every injury, she just rolls her eyes in a motherly glance which says it all.

Speaking of lines, I find that sailing gloves help alot.

CR

 

[Charlie Jones s/v Tehani]

lol
Hoping to be back in the John's Pass vicinity next spring or early summer if all goes well. Stayed at Maderia Beach marina last time

 

[Steve21992]

I was in Grenada until yesterday!
Had to come home to spend the holidays with the family.
I plan to go back to Grenada (preferably taking the new lines with me) in January for the rest of the season.
Thanks for the input. I will continue to use the 1/2 in lines for the Halyards, but we, too, appreciate the easier handling of the larger guage for the genoa sheets.

Steve B

 

[higgs]

I would tend to go with 9/16 on a 44. 3/4 is too big. Just chartered a 48 cat and it did not have 3/4 on it. seems to me it was 9/16.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Wouldn't sheet size also depend on the winches?

 

[CYQK]

Who has the best deal on lines these days?

 

[Chris Patterson]

Who has the best deal on lines these days?

I buy mine right here on this site. It might be a couple of cents more, I truly don't know or care. But it's a little support for a free site that I like, and considering the crap they put up with from me, I ought to be buying a hundred feet a week..

 

[Charlie Jones s/v Tehani]

Ditto- just called yesterday with a problem on anj order and Phil answered the phone and fixed it.

I buy mine right here on this site. It might be a couple of cents more, I truly don't know or care. But it's a little support for a free site that I like, and considering the crap they put up with from me, I ought to be buying a hundred feet a week..

Ditto. Just called yesterday with an order problem and Phil himself answered the phone, and fixed it for me. GREAT folks- deal with them anytime you can

 

[Gunni]

Take a look at the NER Regatta braid for your sheets. The soft single braid is easy to grip, coils easily, and grabs a winch drum well. I have used the 5/8" for 5 seasons and it shows little wear. Nice jib sheet rope. The site store sells it.