HATE Sta-Set X... Alternatives?

[Rick D]

Several years ago, I had a rigger replace my main halyard. It is/was all rope. He replaced it with Sta-set X and about a sixteenth larger. Anyhow, the increase in size to the max for the clutch coupled with the extremely stiff lay of the X makes the cockpit a mess, subject to jamming whenever I drop the main, and retarding a clean drop. The low-stretch is a plus. Anyhow, has anyone else found a better alternative, short of going to a wire/rope combo? They have pre-cut halyards on this site, but I'm flying blind as to comparisons. Maybe I'm too concerned about stretch to begin with; I have a cunningham. Your thoughts appreciated. Rick D.

 

[Calif. Ted]

I ordered a main halyard from this site,

it is Samson XLS in original size for C270 (5/16) and so far seems much better than Sta Set X I used for jib sheets. My wife hates the X cause it "fuzzed" and dislikes feel. The Samson XLS is "slicker & smoother", default shackles on order can be deleted and add the ones you want. I've only had it on for a couple weeks but seems fine & stretch not noted as much yet, (winds have been light) per Samson website figures are:ELASTIC ELONGATION:10% =1.5%EE 20% =2.2%EE 30% =2.9%EE After 50 cycles at % of break strength.If you click on attached link it downloads entire 1.5 MB Samson Recreational Marine Rope Catalog. Pretty fast on DSL but I wouldn't do it on dial-up if impatient.

 

[Ken]

Halyards

I've been using Pelican's Krypton-S™ DOUBLE BRAID(with 100% Spectra® Core ) for over a year it was easy to splice, so far I really like it. Web address.http://www.pelicanrope.com/peli11.htmBest of all their close to you...

 

[Alan]

Spectra is the way to go

It's stronger, lighter and stretches less than steel and is MUCH easier to handle. All my halyard are spectra and because of the increased strength you can down size and keep the same SWL. PS, It's also much easier to splice than Sta-setX

 

[Steve D]

Sta-set is fine.

Rick:I just replaced my main halyard. Hunter recommended 1/2" for the main halyard. My thought was the Sta-set-x was also the way to go. So that is what I used.Late last season and early this season the halyard seemed to bind, raising and lower the main was a bitch! When I had the boat in the yard for new instruments and replacement of the sheaves I decided to go down one size and return to regular Sta-set. The sail goes up and down much easier and the line is MUCH easier on the hands. This is not to mention that the line is very reasonably priced.

 

[Fred Ficarra]

Anybody want a lightly used Sta-Set X halyard?

I hated mine too. I replaced it with standard Dacron. Not too worried about stretch but Rick has a taller lift.

 

[Tim Welsh]

Yale Cordage Yacht Braid

Yale Cordage Yacht Braid is what I use.. I have some left over too. Very low stretch. Tim Welsh sail060468@aol.com

 

[T J Furstenau]

Fred, I might be interested

Fred -New main halyard is on my shopping list for this winter. I was considering the Sta-Set X, now I'm hesistant, based on everyones feedback. Although, I'd certainly give it a shot if I'm getting a discount on it. The specs for my 35.5 are pretty close to those for your 34, so assuming a few feet of slack in your line it should work. What diameter is it and what would you like for it? You can reach me at tj(at)furstenau.netT J

 

[Fred Ficarra]

TJ I'll take this off line,,,

Don't want Phil to yell at me.

 

[Rich]

Going up a size is a mistake

When I bought my 1987 boat this Spring I had the local rigging shop replace all the worn-out original running rigging. They used all-rope in place of wire-and-rope in the halyards and were careful to match the size to the sheaves, but for the jib sheets they gave me a beefier size sta-set which hockles and makes riding turns on the winches every time. I think the extra diameter is the problem, and with these new synthetics I doubt the extra strength is needed for that application.

 

[Alan]

Strength is not the issue!!

STRETCH is!! 1/2" line is plenty strong, but too thick and it stretches way too much. Sailing in light to medium wind is no problem but as the wind builds, stretch becomes a serious issue because it greatly affects sail shape. A stretched halyard means the luff of the sail is too loose which moves the draft aft and increases weather helm, just what you don't need in a stronger breeze. Get the right line for the job, which means the lowest stretch you can buy. Sta-set X is low stretch, but it's stiff and harder to handle. Dacron double braid is easy to handle but there's that stretch problem. Spectra is strong, very low stretch and easy to handle. And because of it's great strength you can down size and maintain SWL and lower the cost. You make the choice!!

 

[Rick D]

Thanks Guys

My buddy had his whole boat re-rigged for offshore work. (He's the guy hanging on a para-drogue with a busted rudder off Spain waiting for gales to blow through.) Anyhow, his rigger swore by SSX. I had him install it on my main and I've sworn at it ever since. I certainly agree with Alan that stretch is an issue with the big main I have, and XLS may be OK but Krypton-S sounds great. I hate to have put on new sails only to compromise shape by a stretchy halyard. I'll recycle my SSX to the jib where I don't drop it often. This is also one of those deals where the pure variety of options gives a headache.Anyhow, thanks again for all the helpful advise, opinions and experiences. Glad to know I wasn't the only one out there disliking this stuff.;{ Rick D.