Jib Sheet Replacement

[rajhnsn]

I need to replace my jib sheets on my Oday 35. How long should they be? Is it better to have one continuous line or break it in two? One line can be shifted to save the wear spots but is there any other reason to break them into two? What thickness would be best for the standard winches on the 35? 1/2, 5/8 or 9/16? Single braid, double braid? Low stretch? Color? Price? Manufacture? For such a seemingly simple purchase, there sure are a lot of questions?

 

[Winters Dream]

I was lucky to receive all of the original manufacturer instructions when I bought my five year old O'Day 28. They included line lenghts and diameters for all line applications. I used these measurements whenever I replaced line. They worked great.

If you don't have these instructions you might try to look them up on the web. If they are not available, I would use the old jibsheets as a guide and make any adjustments you feel are appropriate.

Bob Lendvay

 

[BarryL]

Hey,

In 2007 I bought new jib sheets for my boat. I bought 100 ft of 7/16" StaysetX, and I have been happy with the sheets.

Personally, I think that one sheet, attached to the sail with a Lark's Head / Cow Hitch / whatever you want to call it, is the easiest, safest way. That assumes that you use only 1 sail for most of the time. If you frequently use a selection of sails I would go with two sheets tied to the clew with bowlines.

Anyway, you definitely want a low stretch line. If your winches are self tailing you want to select a diameter that will work with the tailers.

The 100' length that I have is probably 6' too long for my 140% genoa, but longer is better than too short

Good luck,
Barry

 

[rajhnsn]

Thanks Barry. My guess was about 100'. The extra 6 feet will make it possible to move the wear areas at the self tailing winches. It looks like what is on there is about 5/8". I would think that 7/16" would work and maybe they won't get as chewed up in the winches as the old set has. They looked pretty old but I don't know how old. I have to research the winches to see what the opening is at the self-tailers. I'm afraid that 7/16" could be too small.

 

[Dave Groshong]

7/16 is plenty strong, but you may want 1/2 inch for hand feel. 1.5x boat length is a very general rule of thumb per side. We offer Samson XLS which is a great all around line for cruisers and club racers.

A 100ft piece of tracer color, 7/16 inch Samson XLS with both ends whipped is $117, $107 if you don't want the whips:

http://shop.sailboatowners.com/rigging_builder/detail-builder.htm?group=1417

 

[DannyS]

I went with half inch Stayset last time I replaced the sheets. I don't recall how long however. The downside is that in light wind, the half inch is heavier and the jib may not keep a nice shape.

 

[rajhnsn]

Thanks. Here are a few pictures of the winches. I'm not sure what thickness they need for the self tailors. It sounds like the length should be about 100 feet. I would like to go with something around 1/2 if it is strong enough and will not slip in the self tailors.

 

[DannyS]

Those are the same winches that I have. Half inch works just fine. Speaking of winches, have you ever stripped them down and re-greased them? I did mine last year, it was kind of a nice project and I couldn't believe how much better they worked afterward.

 

[31seahorse]

Hello Members,
RE: sheets and winches Oday 35
We used a single sheet tied at the center on our Oday 34. Since we only had one jib that never caused a problem. The diameter of the line used in the winches can be changed to some extent by changing the location/arrangement of the shims in the upper part of the Barlow winches. That change can be made when servicing the winches as recommended in another post. The choice of diameter can be more a matter of comfort on your hands and personal choice.

Phil

 

[rajhnsn]

I have not serviced the winches yet. Is there a web site that will walk me through it?

 

[DannyS]

Here's a good video on the subject.
http://goodoldboat.com/resources_for_sailors/videos/winch_maint.php
They're pretty self explanatory once you start digging in. Just take it slow when you remove the drum so you don't lose any parts.