Got a 1980 37C. I think the halyards are 1/2" but they may have swollen over the years. So the question is the right size for new halyards 1/2" or 7/16"?
Halyard size
- Thread starter mjmercer19248
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A bit of a curt answer here, but ... whatever diameter you want! 3/8" or 5/8", the line isn't going to break. In either size, or anything in between is more than enough strength for halyard duty.
What needs to be considered is stretch. If you opt for the most basic "yacht braid", like Sta-set, then 7/16" or 1/2" might be your choice. If you go for a more hi-tech line with lower stretch specs, 3/8" is plenty adequate. I don't recall the brand/name of my current mainsail halyard line. But at 3/8" inch it has much lower stretch specs than 1/2" sta-set.
I would suggest shop around for price vs grade vs diameter vs performance rather than being set on a certain diameter. You only pull up a sail usually just once per outing. 3/8" feels fine in my hands.
What needs to be considered is stretch. If you opt for the most basic "yacht braid", like Sta-set, then 7/16" or 1/2" might be your choice. If you go for a more hi-tech line with lower stretch specs, 3/8" is plenty adequate. I don't recall the brand/name of my current mainsail halyard line. But at 3/8" inch it has much lower stretch specs than 1/2" sta-set.
I would suggest shop around for price vs grade vs diameter vs performance rather than being set on a certain diameter. You only pull up a sail usually just once per outing. 3/8" feels fine in my hands.
If you order them from this site they will size them for you. Great prices and better service.
PS: Do yourself a favor and stay away from Sta-set X. This line is horrible once it ages and it is not very nice when new.
PS: Do yourself a favor and stay away from Sta-set X. This line is horrible once it ages and it is not very nice when new.
Double braid tends to shrink, not swell, with age, especially for halyards and mainsheets that have seen a lot of tension. This is especially true with the old Sampson XLS present on many of our boats. Putting a mic on the rope to measure it will give you 1/32" or 1/16" smaller than it should be.
On a related note, a woman writing in a boating magazine once said that men have an aversion to throwing away any rope. They will cast off jackets, boots, tools, any pieces of equipment but still save every piece of rope, no matter how mangy, they ever had. I happen to know this is true for me; and I suspect I'm not alone.
The best of luck to your retired halyards in their next role!
(Those old dead lines really came in handy during the Sandy storm when we needed everything we could find to tie down covers and secure gear!)
On a related note, a woman writing in a boating magazine once said that men have an aversion to throwing away any rope. They will cast off jackets, boots, tools, any pieces of equipment but still save every piece of rope, no matter how mangy, they ever had. I happen to know this is true for me; and I suspect I'm not alone.
The best of luck to your retired halyards in their next role!
(Those old dead lines really came in handy during the Sandy storm when we needed everything we could find to tie down covers and secure gear!)
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