Halyard, Sheets and Anchor Lines

[tony]

I have a 1984 Catalina 30 and all of the lines need to be replaced. What size lines (Dia.) do I need for the Sheets and Halyard and can I replace the wire/rope halyards with all rope? Also, West marine and various other sources give approx. anchor line size acccording to boat length and these sizes are based on 40 knot winds. I live in a hurricane prone area and although I dont expect my boat to survive a direct hit, where can I find info on sizing rope/rode for more extreme weather?

 

[Brian Ranniger]

What I Used

I replaced some of my '76 lines. Halyards - 7/16 to 3/8 Sta-Set (stretches too much, will switch to spectra 3/8), mainsheet - 7/16 Sta-set (works great) reefing, single line - 3/8 Sta-set, furler - 5/16 Sta-set, down-haul main - 1/4 Sta-set, vang - 1/4 Sta-set. I will also go with 7/16 Sta-set for genoa sheets soon. I just don't think the 3/8 halyards are very good using Sta-set. My jib halyard keeps stretching on the furler and needs to be tightened up. I like 3/8 dia., but think it would have been better with spectra, vectran or similar stuff.

 

[Ron Koenig]

Halyards

I replaced my main sail wire/rope halyard with 3/8" Sta-set X. This is what was reccomended by others on this site. It works ok with the existing sheaves at the masthead but there is deffinitly more friction than with the wire. Will have to look at more closely when the mas comes down this fall.Replaced traveller lines with 5/16 Sta-set. Replaced the mainsheet with 7/16 Sta-set.Hope this helps.Ron