Hunter 326 running rigging

[RobAL]

When I purchased my 326 in 2018 it appeared to have a new set of running rigging lines, I assumed they were the correct ones. On the whole I've experienced too much friction working the lines, in particular the reefing lines, which wouldn't 'single line reef' let alone shake out afterwards. There's no single point of jamming anywhere, just a little lacking of free flow through each clew and block, the accumulative effect being a line with a complicated path won't pull through. I suspect the 10mm polyester lines are too thick and just aren't flexible enough although I've washed and worked them to make them pliable. Perhaps 8mm lines with a different material would be better. What do you experienced Hunter sailors with B+R rigs use for halyards, sheets and reefing lines? I'm new to sailing, I didn't realize using the rig should be much easier!

 

[sail sfbay]

Suggest following your owners manual H:\DWG\h326_ownman\8 OWNERS MAN\3268036A (sailboatowners.com) for line diameter and type. For control lines suggest low stretch (LS). For halyards use extra low stretch (XLS) and for sheets use lines with some stretch. 3/8" diameter is fine for halyards for your boat size.

 

[RobAL]

Suggest following your owners manual H:\DWG\h326_ownman\8 OWNERS MAN\3268036A (sailboatowners.com) for line diameter and type. For control lines suggest low stretch (LS). For halyards use extra low stretch (XLS) and for sheets use lines with some stretch. 3/8" diameter is fine for halyards for your boat size.

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I was wondering if some were using Vectran or Dyneema where I think you could have the same strength with a smaller diameter. As I have the correct diameter like everyone else is using then it's just a case of fitting new ones with the same diameter but better quality i.e. more pliable. Thank you for your help.

 

[sail sfbay]

The forum will likely offer lots of good advice. In the meantime, you might want to read the attached AND visit your local rigger and marine chandlerey to find out what they recommend for quality, handling and feel.

 

[kloudie1]

Try a bit of silicone spray on the hubs/axles of the sheaves in the system before changing stuff. Washing them with fresh water can help as well..

 

[shemandr]

Here's some info about blocks:

Blocks: How to find the right block for your yacht

SVB - Europe's biggest online shop for boating equipment and accessories! Worldwide delivery, even directly on-board!

www.svb24.com

 

[RobAL]

I've concluded I need to buy a new set of lines and lubricate all the blocks (again), or replace as necessary. Although the lines were renewed before I bought the boat, it was stood unused for a length of time exposed to sun and salt air and they've lost too much of their pliability to recover. They seemed good after several days soaking and washing but with hindsight they're not good enough. After reading everybody's feedback there's no need to 'go thinner' but continue to use Hunter's recommended thicknesses.

 

[RobAL]

One more question on this topic - for some reason the main sail halyard spec isn't in my manual, my current one is 12mm thick with some friction going through the clutch and around blocks. Is 12mm (0.47") a bit over engineered with 9.5 -10mm (3/8") being perfectly adequate?

 

[sail sfbay]

9.5 -10mm (3/8") low stretch is fine for your length sailboat. This article recommends 8-10 mm for your length sailboat: Get a grip! What’s the right halyard rope for my sailing boat? (upffront.com)