Halyard choice opinions...

jonelli

jonelli

.
Jun 2, 2014
602
Catalina 30 mkII - 1987 Alamitos Bay Marina, LB, CA
Catalina 30. My main halyard is actually just fine. I don't know what it is, but it is a good stiff non-stretchy rope that has life left in it. One of my extra halyards though is gone beyond it's days, and has lost it's cover and needs replacing. So, I was going to move the main halyard line to the less-used extra position, and buy a new main halyard. (maybe that's not what I should do? Please let me know)
I want something that will last a long time and has the right properties, but I don't need to spend $5/ft for a racing halyard. I don't race.
I was wondering what you all thought of the new Samson MLX3? It's priced pretty well, $1.45/ft at defender for 10mm(13/32)

samsonrope.com

MLX3 - Samson Rope

MLX3 is a lightweight, core-dependent line that has excellent strength and moderate stretch.
samsonrope.com samsonrope.com
1657587699026.png

AT PERCENT OF BREAK STRENGTH
10% 20% 30%
ELASTIC ELONGATION
0.49% 0.74% 1.00%

It has some kind of poly-dyneema braided core with polyester cover. So, it floats too.
 
D

dlochner

.
Jan 11, 2014
12,957
Sabre 362 113 Fair Haven, NY
We have been using NE Ropes VPC for several years. It has a low stretch high tech core and a polyester cover. At a similar price as the MLX3.

www.neropes.com

Performance

www.neropes.com www.neropes.com
 
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jonelli

jonelli

.
Jun 2, 2014
602
Catalina 30 mkII - 1987 Alamitos Bay Marina, LB, CA
dlochner said:
We have been using NE Ropes VPC for several years. It has a low stretch high tech core and a polyester cover. At a similar price as the MLX3.

www.neropes.com

Performance

www.neropes.com www.neropes.com
Click to expand
Just pointing out that Practical Sailor's chart doesn't poise VPC as a good low-stretch rope? I put the MLX3 data point on myself to show where it would sit:
1657591401087.png
 
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D

dlochner

.
Jan 11, 2014
12,957
Sabre 362 113 Fair Haven, NY
It's your boat and your money. Buy the line you want. When I replaced my halyards it was the best value for low stretch line on the market.
 
Sandy Stone

Sandy Stone

.
Jun 2, 2007
404
Beneteau First 375 Slidell, LA
jonelli said:
It has some kind of poly-dyneema braided core with polyester cover. So, it floats too.
Click to expand
The manufacturer lists its specific gravity at 1.16, so maybe not. But it does look like a nice compromise between low stretch and price.
 
C

Calif. Ted

.
Jun 8, 2004
2,955
Catalina 320 Dana Point
I've been using MLX3 for a couple years and I'm happy with it overall, found that the 8 mm fits my halyard sheeves better, 10 was a little large. I don't think it floats but haven't really tried.:cool:
 
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jssailem

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
23,144
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
Not sure floating halyard is an important feature. If my halyards are in the water I figure I have bigger problems.

The description of the line sounds good for the purpose you desire. I would be sure the line diameter matches the sheaves.
The repurposing of the current halyard to a second location is a reasonable action to minimize cost and maintain the functions you have on the boat. Be sure the repurposed halyard will serve the purpose you have for it. If not replace it while you are thinking of doing this work.
 
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Scott T-Bird

Scott T-Bird

.
Oct 26, 2008
6,277
Catalina 320 Barnegat, NJ
I bought 4 different models of lines this year in multiple sizes, I am very impressed with the 8 mm NE Endura line that I got for my traveler controls. It is the highest price line I bought (relatively) and I only bought Endura for the one application and it has a very good feel. For my halyards, I bought 10 mm NE Viper. I'm pretty satisfied but I think I didn't need to get that thickness. It feels heavy If I was to do it again, I would consider 8 mm Viper or 8 mm Endura for better properties. I bought a fair amount of Sampson MLX3. I have 11 mm for genoa sheets, 10 mm for main sheet & 8 mm for vang. I really like the feel of the vang control. I think the 11 mm is a little overweight for my boat. I bought some 8mm Sampson XLS3 for general, non-load use and it is fine and cheap. Overall, I'm satisfied with all. I think the Viper and MLX are very similar and I like both. I think overall, since I like the Endura very much I would use it for halyards if I were to do it again. I've had Warp speed for halyards on my Starwind. I like the Endura much more. I shopped Defender for all cordage because it had the best overall selection for the variety I wanted to purchase.
 
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B

Barnacle Bill

.
Jun 9, 2008
1,801
- -- -Bayfield
Samson XLS is designed for basic cruising halyards. Low stretch. "Moderate" stretch isn't what I would want.
 
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