halyard size

[Glenn Shaw]

My halyard needs replacing.Any ideas on thickness of the rope would be appreciated.

 

[Stu Sauer]

Line Selection by Types

You might want to check out West Marine's catalog for the type of line to use based on the type of sailing you do. However, it recommends 3/8" Sta-Set for cruising boats 26'-30' and you could go to 3/8" Sta-SetX for less stretch. If you are a die hard racer and want to get the lightest and strongest line possible, check the comparisons for the really high tech lines as you can go lighter, smaller diameter with more cost.

 

[Terry]

Glenn, what do you have now? Your self-tailing...

winch (assuming that you have one) may not handle anything smaller than what you have. The key factor is what size feels good in the hand, then what feeds smoothly through your organizer, line stopper and winch tailer. Seven sixteenths (feels small in my hand) or half inch (about right for me) might be a good choice. WM can put and eye splice in one end to connect to your shackle head cringle for you...about 15$.Terry

 

[Tim S.]

26.5 Halyards

Just did this on my 26.5 using 3/8" StaSetX for the main and jib. Used 5/16" StaSetX for the spare jib and spinaker halyards. Check your halyard sheeves on top of the mast and exit plates on the lower end for clearance. My boat has a z-spar mast and found that the 3/8" line is the max. size I could use.