Replacing Hunter 41DS Running Rigging

[dkinzer]

I'm looking to replace the running rigging on our 2007 Hunter, beginning with the topping lift and the spinnaker halyard. I'm choosing these first because I want the new lines for ascending the mast. In the attached image, taken from the Hunter manual, the sizes, styles and lengths of each of the lines is given. I'm trying to understand the entries in the column with the heading "Line Type". I'm guessing that the "pl" is an abbreviation for plait and that the first number might be the number of plaits in the cover while the second number might be the number of plaits in the core. Is that a correct assessment?

Also, other than for the main halyard, no information is given about the material. What would be a good choice for the topping lift and spinnaker halyard lines?

 

[jssailem]

You have "European" line types listed.

It would be a twisted 3 ply core covered by a 32 plait cover.

USA terms describe the line material i.e. Dyneema, polyester or Dacron, nylon... and single or double braid line, or 3 ply which would be a 3 strand twisted line (not usually used for halyards but serviceable for anchor line).

This link may help you. https://www.sailrite.com/PDF/Rope Selection Recommendations.pdf

Typically you want a low stretch line for your halyards, and a low to moderate stretch for your sheets.

 

[DayDreamer41]

When I replaced the topping lift on our 41 (for the same reason as you stated) I just went with the diameter on the chart and then looked at a duty chart for strength and stretch, have no idea what the designator "pl" stands for, I just spent the last hour searching for some hint of what that is and really didn't find anything.

 

[jssailem]

Dreamer, my Michigan friend, I reviewed the Selden website. Where I came upon a Splicing PDF with the title "Eye Splice 32-3 Polyester Line.

Service manuals : Seldén Mast AB

support.seldenmast.com

It is an older reference and one I believe used in Europe to describe Dacron Double Braid Yacht line.

 

[sail sfbay]

For the halyards and topping lift, which I use as a safety line when climbing the mast) low stretch like Samson XLS extra T Samson Rope Product Information (defender.com) with 0.8% stretch at 20% breaking strength or equivalent. Attached are the running rigging specs for my Hunter 46.

 

[ice breaker]

I changed my lines last summer. Be carful with the measurements in the manual. I found many not correct. On our boat the topping lift was cleated off on the mast, however I chose to run the new one back to the cockpit, as I had an open clutch.

 

[sailme88]

Depending on the age of your boat and it's manual, you may want to question the numbers in the manual.. Lines/ropes and halyards have all changed in recent years. What was, isn't... and what was theory, IS.. Do more than chart it.. research might get you a new line that is lighter, stronger, more resistant and less money...

 

[sail sfbay]

Agree with the above posts on verifying the line length you require yourself for the reasons noted above. Attach a tag line, pull it through, remove, measure then reverse the process after you purchase the new line with the length that you need.

 

[dkinzer]

Agree with the above posts on verifying the line length you require yourself for the reasons noted above. Attach a tag line, pull it through [...]

I like the idea of measuring the lines rather than relying on the chart. Rather than pulling the lines, I devised a way to get an approximate (but close) measurement without removal. I'll use the spinnaker halyard as an example. I attached the end of a 100' tape measure to the clip on the halyard as well as a retrieval line (I just used one of the jib sheets). Then I hauled the clip up to where the line enters the mast and noted the reading on the tape at the bottom of the mast. This gave me the appoximate length from the halyard sheave to the bottom of the mast. Next, I pulled the line back down using the retrieval line and clipped the halyard to the base of the mast, pulling the other end taut. Then I measured the remaining halyard line leading away from the mast. This length was added to twice the distance from the sheave to the mast base to arrive at the total length. The result for the spinnaker halyard was 138' compared to the table entry of 118'.

I repeated the same process for the topping lift line (but I had to use both jib sheets for the retrieval line due to the extra height) and got an estimated length of 122' as compared to 100' in the chart. I suspect that the topping lift line has been replaced because it is larger than the 10mm shown in the chart. It measures the same diameter as the spinnaker halyard - 12mm. Further, the color doesn't match what is given in the chart.

 

[jssailem]

The result for the spinnaker halyard was 138' compared to the table entry of 118'.

This confusion could drive a non drinking man too drink...
Reality is the previous owner may have not liked the length of a 118' line, so he/she ordered extra when the original delivered at purchase lines aged.

One of the realities of boat ownership... the printed manual material is really just suggestions. The boat owner can make it up as they choose. (we call it improvement mods)

There is really only one caveat.
You are the owner it is your decision.