Replacing jib halyard and topping lift

[sailcapt340]

On my 2000 340 - I am planning to replace my original Samson XLS Jib Halyard and Samson XL Topping Lift.
Any suggestions on which type / manufacturer of line I should go with or just stay with the Samson Brand? Strictly a cruising boat.

 

[w4pyleii]

If you liked the XLS, stick with it, it's a decent run of the mill polyester rope.

I sell quite a bit of Marlow Doublebraid for cruising halyards. It's woven with a heat setting process that reduces stretch when compared with other polyester double braid ropes. Compared to the XLS in 12mm size, it's stronger (10.5klbs vs 8.3klbs), and usually a little cheaper.

If you can find it, Sirius 500 from Robline is probably the best of the polyester double braids, and will go head to head against many of the dyneema blended ropes on the market.

Orion 300 from Robline would be an equivalent to the Samson, I like it better for sheets than halyards.

New England Sta-Set is probably the most readily available, good rope, can't say much against it.

As a rigger, I would say you probably won't notice a difference in any of the above ropes for casual sailing, but no one ever complained about less stretch Something like the Sirius with a very tight weave in the cover will outlast the others, but you'll get many years of service from any of them. It might be worth the upgrade on the halyard, but for the topping lift just go with the best price or prettiest color.

 

[John T1594]

I have the same boat, same year, also just cruising. I replaced the boom topping lift last year with 3/8" Sta-Set and I am happy with it. The old line had become stretched and looked worn from sun exposure but was still functional. For winter storage, I run both the topping lift, and main halyard up into the mast using a messenger line to keep them out of the weather for 5-6 months.
The 340 owner's manual says that the original jib halyard was 3/8" XLS at 102 ft.

 

[w4pyleii]

I would go down a size on the topping lift, 8mm (5/16) would be plenty strong enough, and cut down some weight aloft.

 

[sailcapt340]

Does anyone have the size and length of line needed for the Jib Furling Line? It's the one line NOT listed in my manual.

 

[Dave Groshong]

I usually go 2x boat length + 10ft for a jib furling line.

http://shop.hunterowners.com/cu/builder.php

 

[Alan]

If you can, I would ditch the topping lift completely and install a good solid vang. You'll be amazed at just how important a good vang can be.