I thought I saw some information regarding this a while back but couldn't locate in the archives. I'm ready to deal with replacing the original Hunter reefing lines with a smaller diameter line. According to the manual the diameter is 3/8. First question is what diameter should I go with, next size down 5/16? Second question is seeing that the price can vary from 0.60 cents a foot to over a couple of bucks a foot what brand would you guys recommend who have already done this. Thanks
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Why change size?
The discussion about smaller sizes largely dealt with going over the sheeves atop the mast. No such event acrues to the reefing lines, since they're pretty straightforward through the boom. You pull them in manually and crank hard and you're done. I'd stay with 3/8.
The discussion about smaller sizes largely dealt with going over the sheeves atop the mast. No such event acrues to the reefing lines, since they're pretty straightforward through the boom. You pull them in manually and crank hard and you're done. I'd stay with 3/8.
Reefing Line Size
David, I have a 376 and, when I have the sail on its first reef and I am hard on the wind, I am amazed at the tremendous strain on the reefing lines. They are the original 3/8" and I really am fearful of it breaking and so make sure the topping lift is not so slack that the boom could drop and brain someone. My boat is now in its tenth season and I will also soon be changing my lines, though I shall probably only 'end for end' them. If you really want to go smaller try Spectra or other high tech line. Also you might buy the same size hi-tech but remove the cover on the working part to reduce windage and friction.
David, I have a 376 and, when I have the sail on its first reef and I am hard on the wind, I am amazed at the tremendous strain on the reefing lines. They are the original 3/8" and I really am fearful of it breaking and so make sure the topping lift is not so slack that the boom could drop and brain someone. My boat is now in its tenth season and I will also soon be changing my lines, though I shall probably only 'end for end' them. If you really want to go smaller try Spectra or other high tech line. Also you might buy the same size hi-tech but remove the cover on the working part to reduce windage and friction.
Reefing Line Size
Donalex, When the main is up(even reefed) the boom CANNOT fall on anyone unless you dump the main halyard. The boom cannot come down while the main is holding the boom in place. A solid vang will end your worries and give you an additional sail control.
Donalex, When the main is up(even reefed) the boom CANNOT fall on anyone unless you dump the main halyard. The boom cannot come down while the main is holding the boom in place. A solid vang will end your worries and give you an additional sail control.
Well, I'm downgrading...
The 3/8" reefing line I have is clearly accounting for a lot of friction, so I'm replacing it with 5/16" Sta-set. I'll let you know how well it works.
The 3/8" reefing line I have is clearly accounting for a lot of friction, so I'm replacing it with 5/16" Sta-set. I'll let you know how well it works.
I'm thinking of "downsizing" also
I'm with SoupT, I've had it with fighting the reefing lines everytime I raise the main. I like to pull the reef lines in when the main is down simply because I don't like stuffing all the reef lines into the main to get the cover on it. Usually have some line hanging out and looking like you know what anyway. The problem is when I go to raise the main the 10 year old 3/8" line binds up so bad that I'm a complete sweat ball by the I work the reef lines out and get the main up. I replaced the roller furling with 5/16" line and it works great so I'm convinced that 5/16" is better for reefing lines also. The only problem I have with the 5/16" is that it's harder on the hands than the 3/8" line which is probably the reason Hunter used it to start with.
I'm with SoupT, I've had it with fighting the reefing lines everytime I raise the main. I like to pull the reef lines in when the main is down simply because I don't like stuffing all the reef lines into the main to get the cover on it. Usually have some line hanging out and looking like you know what anyway. The problem is when I go to raise the main the 10 year old 3/8" line binds up so bad that I'm a complete sweat ball by the I work the reef lines out and get the main up. I replaced the roller furling with 5/16" line and it works great so I'm convinced that 5/16" is better for reefing lines also. The only problem I have with the 5/16" is that it's harder on the hands than the 3/8" line which is probably the reason Hunter used it to start with.
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