I made up a new mainsheet for Lealea last year using Schaeffer blocks from West Marine sized for 1/2 inch line. I used 100 feet of 7/16 inch New England Ropes Sta-Set for the four part tackle so the sheet would be long enough to use for lowering the mast. It need not be that long if you won't be using it for that purpose. Even so you may find 100 feet gets in the way while sailing unless you have a "Sheet control bag". When making up running rigging, I don't try to figure out the length in advance. I prefer to buy a spool of rope and cut it off after its run so I know its long enough. Believe me, its far better to have a little too much than find, after the fact, that its a bit too short. I would reeve the four part mainsheet tackle then hook it up and push the boom all the way out to the shrouds. Then, leaving a tail of four feet or so, clap on a whipping and cut the line. then tie a figure eight in the end and its done.
On thickness, I prefer to use the fattest line that will fit on the cleats or through the blocks because its easier on the hands. In the case of the mainsheet, anything over 3/8 inch (8mm) will be strong enough but I find that 7/16 inch (10mm) is more comfortable to handle and that I can get a better grip on it which makes hauling on it easier.
So my sheets, both jib and mainsail, are 7/16 inch because 1/2 inch is too big for the cleats on the coaming. I used 3/8 inch for the halyards because of the sheaves at the masthead - too small for the larger line. They don't require as much handling though I'd prefer 7/16 inch line in that application as well.Chuck
"freeflight7" dutoit@... wrote:
