Line for roller furling

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B

Bob

I need to replace the 5/16 line on my roller furling, but the choices are endless. The 5/16 line I've looked at is good to 2,000 lbs. Do I need something that strong?. I'm only pulling on it. What do you use on your boats roller furling? Thanks Bob
 

shorty

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Apr 14, 2005
298
Pearson P34 Mt Desert, ME
Sta-Set

I have become a big fan of NE Ropes Sta-Set since getting new jib sheets and control lines for adjustable genoa tracks. I guess it has the reputation as a good line for cruisers and, in some applications, for racers. Not too expensive, has a nice hand, not too slippery, low stretch. The 5/16" ($.59 @ pyacht.com) is rated for 3000# which I don't know if you need, but I know my furler can get some pretty good tension on it
 
Jan 15, 2007
226
Tartan 34C Beacon, NY
In this case the diameter is chosen

In this case the diameter is chosen so you can grip it and not because you need something that strong. I use 5/16 also but would use 3/8 if I could make it fit comfortably. All the best, Robert Gainer
 
Jun 2, 2004
1,438
Oday 25 pittsburgh
I would use the line diameter recommended by

the mfg. If the line needs to fit on the drum. CDI cores the line (removes the center core) to fit on the drum. I used sta-set. Even though it doesn't stretch much, the sail, when reefed, tightens up on the foil and almost always ends up much larger than the ammount I furled. r.w.landau
 

Ross

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Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
I doubt that a man can pull much more than

100 pounds on a small diameter rope. There are many nylon twines around that are stronger than that but would slice through the meat on your hands before they would break. The capacity of the drum will be the deciding factor. Too large a line and you won't get enough turns, too small a line and it will be mean to pull.
 
Sep 25, 2008
7,689
Alden 50 Sarasota, Florida
flat line

not to be confused with the medical condition - most rope makers have a flat line intended for use on a drum so as to minimize the thickness once rolled on the drum. It is easily spliced onto whatever thickness line you prefer from the drum back to the cockpit or wherever you furl from.
 
Jun 8, 2004
3,010
Catalina 320 Dana Point
I use Sta-set, but core most of the line

that goes on the drum. My furler is a Hood which recommends you to core the line, Don's suggestion of using a flat line spliced to something with more "hand" seems like a good method also but I haven't tried it yet.
 
P

Pat

remove the core.

Have west marine or whomever remove the core from the front 25 ft or so (the line that goes around the drum), then splice the line or just 20 more feet or so without the core removed....makes furling foolproof and much easier on the hands and body....Pat
 
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