Quick & Easy Line Question. Maybe?

[Ward H]

Looking for which double braid rope has a more slippery surface so it moves through reefing cringles easier than the old furling line I am using now.

I use Samson XLS Yacht Braid for my running rigging. Seems to me I bought some NER Sta Set once and my impression was it felt more slippery than the XLS YB.

Would rather stay away from the high tech lines due to cost.

Any suggestions of one over the other?

 

[Clark]

I think any new line will be (much) more slippery than old line. Just use the least expensive and if it become an issue in a few years, replace it. That is of course assuming you are describing reefing line through mainsail cringles/grommets. You mentioned furling in your post - different set of considerations . . . .

 

[Ward H]

Yes, that is a bit confusing. Last year I replaced my furling line with new.
I used that old line for my two line reefing system until I figured out the correct length. The system works but I know the line is rough so now ready to buy new.

 

[Brian S]

Ward, if I'm remembering correctly, that Sampson XLS has a really wooly-feeling cover. I'm pretty sure I bought that for my 15 footer once, and crew whined that it was hard on his hands.

New England Ropes Sta-set has a much smoother cover than the XLS. But it's still basic poly double braid. I'm using NER VPC for my reefing line and outhaul. It's a blended core for less stretch than Sta-set, but still low cost compared to higer-tech ropes. It has a very similar polyester cover to Sta-set, so that ought to work well for you. I use 1/4", but my boat is smaller than yours. 5/16" is probably the original spec for an O'day 25. APS has it for $1.12/foot.

 

[seanshine]

Think about installing a pulley at the cringle instead of going through it. Too much chafe. Single line reefing works for me. SS

 

[Ted]

Think about installing a pulley at the cringle instead of going through it. Too much chafe. Single line reefing works for me. SS

Seanshine is on the right track regarding reducing friction by using blocks. You can install a product by Goiot which is essentially a cringle with a roller within it. It retrofits over your existing cringle and will reduce friction. You won't need to purchase slippery line to reduce your reefing line friction.

http://adriftatsea.com/files/goiot.png

 

[Joe]

For the application you describe, I love Marlow Super Pre-Stretch

Construction: Polyester Cover & Core

This line undergoes a unique pre-stretching process in which it is heated, stretched and then cooled in its elongated state. This process minimizes initial elongation, resulting in a very low-stretch, all-polyester line. Because the durable, smooth 8-plait cover is hardened by the prestretching process, this line runs extremely well through blocks.

Common Applications:
Perfect for any control line. Many small keel boats use 1/4" as a spinnaker halyard because it runs well on take-downs.

Note: 5/16 8mm line is listed at .88/ft.

I have used Marlow - Excel Pro on my Nacra for many control line applications... it would be more than satisfactory and is about .16/ft cheaper.... both lines max size is 5/16.. but 1/4 would be satisfactory for your 25 footer.

Construction: Polyester Cover & Core

Available in a range of sizes (down to 1/12") and distinctive colors. Excel Pro's 16-plait cover is smooth and durable. The polyester core is a parallel fiber construction for low-stretch and flexiblity - runs well through blocks. Great for color-coding control lines.

Common Applications:
Control lines of all types, dinghy halyards; great as a utility line for big boats and dinghies.

Note: 5/16 8mm line is .72/ft

Since the SBO store doesn't sell Marlow.... I can refer you to this source. https://www.apsltd.com/c-1499-smalldiameterdoublebraids.aspx You might want to give them a call, they really know their stuff... they'll make sure you get the right product for your application.

 

[Prime Time]

Amstel 3/16 ths 95 cents a foot is very slippery. Xls is not furry. About same as vpc.

 

[Ward H]

Joe, Called APS and they recommended the same line as you, the Super Pre Stretch. Just ordered.

SS & Ted,
The line purchase was a given, only question was which line. I do like those cringle blocks. I found them on line, just need to call for a price.

Thanks All!

 

[thinwater]

For a 25' boat, it is easy to add luff blocks. You can safely exceed the WLL by a bit, since they will not be running under load. I used long shackles and self contained blocks because I had them, and because the shackles make them very strong. Solid sheaves would be stronger.

http://sail-delmarva.blogspot.com/2012/03/reefing-luff-blocks.html

However, if the reef is internal, first look in the boom for twisted line, a far more common problem.

 

[Ward H]

thinwater,
No in boom lines on this O'day. As I said earlier, I used the old furling line, which I replaced because it was rough and would not wrap on the drum properly.
I needed new line and wanted something slippery.

Joe, put that Marlo Super Pre Stretch line on today. It's a little stiff for tying a bowline but ran through the cringles like they were blocks. Thanks for that suggestion.