Jib Sheets size for a 23.5

[Jonathan Costello]

I currently have 5/8" jib sheets on my working Jib. I have a hard time getting them on the cleats. My gut tells me that I can change them out for 1/2" or even possible 3/8". I was on a Pearson 26 last weekend with a 150 jib and he only had 1/2" sheets. What do y'all use?Thanks

 

[Rick Macdonald]

The manual says...

Actually, it seems that when I got my used boat every line on her was a bit bigger than what the manual says. Other than increased friction for lines that go through sheaves and blocks, I wonder if there's any harm in thicker lines here and there? Could weight (aloft) be that much of an issue? In light air when I ease the mainsheet I have to push the boom out with my hand. I suppose that's due to these thicker, old and fuzzy sheets? My mainsheet measures 1/2"; the manual says 3/8".The jib sheets seemed to measure 1/2". When I replaced the jib cleats with Spinlock PX PowerCleats I had to get thinner lines to fit, which was the max spec'ed for the PowerCleats which is 7/16". This happens to be what the manual says....RickM...

 

[Mike B]

Jib Sheet-23.5

The Hunter 23.5 Manual calls for a 7/16 inch diameter X 35 foot long Jib Sheet. That's what I use and it works fine.

 

[Rick Macdonald]

I should have mentioned...

that the 1/2" sheets that I replaced also worked fine; no problems of thickness wrapping on the cleats. I should say that I only ever wrapped them 1.5 times around the cleats and pulled them snug and they never slipped (2 or three wrpas on the winch, of course). I did not make them fast with a twist in the last loop, if you know what I mean. This made it quicker and easier to let them go when tacking. I guess I don't even know if this is recommended procedure or not!That's all history now that I have the PX PowerCleats installed. Flick-flick and that's it! ;-)Depending on how you want to wrap and tie onto the cleats, even 1/2" could be too thick. If your main or a dock line is 1/2" you could try the end of that on the cleat for size....RickM...

 

[Jonathan Costello]

Thanks all

I think I'l go with 7/16" and call it good!