Main Sheet length

[Michael Stephens]

I am getting tired of dealing with all the extra line used for the Main Sheet on our 260. We only use a fraction of the line while sailing, the rest is just under-foot. I am thinking of getting another line for sailing and using the existing line when stepping the mast. This would mean threading the line through the tackle everytime I need to use it. Anyone else doing this?Michael StephensS/V Pure Heaven H-260

 

[hp]

Too much sheet

While I can't answer your specific question, I can assure you of the efficiency of trimming out all lines to the limit of their useful length. Anything beyond that is dangerous because (1) your foot can easily roll on them, causing a nasty spill, (2) your ankle can get caught up in them, causing another nasty spill. But before you start cutting, be patient and test different lengths, perhaps by tying a knot here and there to test the theory. Unfortunately, once you cut the line, you're done.

 

[William Jowell]

Two sets.

You'll need approximately 40' of mainsheet for your new system. Leave your existing system in the anchor locker so it is ready to help lower your mast. (You mean two complete mainsheet systems? Yep!)

 

[Ray Bowles]

I totally agree with the first 2 opinions.

On our 95 H26 we experenced the same extra line mess. Although spendy, we have a shorter line and blocks for the main sheet and use the longer lash up for raising and lowering the mast as we tow frequently. Bulkhead line organizers also help keep cockpit lines coiled and out of the way. West Marine sells them but I be darned if I could find the listing tonight. They mount to the bulkhead with ( I think ) two screws and have 2 elastic cords that wraps around the coiled line and then snaps over its self on the bulkhead to secure the coiled line. A totally clean set up. Rays/v Speedy

 

[Steve Dion]

Mesh sheet bags available in the HOW store

There are mesh sheet bags available in the HOW store (listed under Deck Gear).

 

[Debra Blatnik]

keep them coiled

With any length sheet they are likely to be too long some of the time. Keep them coiled, or they will knot together or to themselves. You can be sure this will happen when you need a quick sail change (unexpected weather or the next turn in a race....) Best to keep them coiled (or bagged I guess) and out of the way.

 

[Jim Loats]

I short sheeted myself....

I lived with the long sheet until the mast came down last fall. I put a knot in the sheet to mark how much I needed to raise and lower the mast. Then when we were sailing this spring, I saw that I didn't need nearly that much to control the Main. So I cut it off.I am happy now. (It doesn't take much!) Jim LoatsS/V Grizzly Bear