We bought a 1999 Hunter 380 in late 2009, first boat, so I'm new to boat ownership. Is there a "rule of thumb" regarding replacing the running rigging? Particularly the mainsail halyard and reefing lines are a bear to pull through and someone suggested we should replace the lines. Any thoughts? Thanks
Replacing running rigging
- Thread starter jackzimmerman
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Jack:
Usually when the lines start getting old & stiff they can be washed to get some more life out of them. Once the covers start getting tattered or they have wear spots/abrasions it is time to replace. If you have doubts about a line, it is probably a good time to think about replacing too.
I have been purchasing line from this website. They have excellent prices on Sampson line and usually have a quick delivery. Many of the lines are pre-measured so it makes life easy.
Usually when the lines start getting old & stiff they can be washed to get some more life out of them. Once the covers start getting tattered or they have wear spots/abrasions it is time to replace. If you have doubts about a line, it is probably a good time to think about replacing too.
I have been purchasing line from this website. They have excellent prices on Sampson line and usually have a quick delivery. Many of the lines are pre-measured so it makes life easy.
Jack,
In my opinion, when the lines are thick , uncomfortable to handle and nasty looking then it might be time to replace. When you replace halyards and outhaul lines suggest replacing them with low stretch rope such as Sampson XLS Extra or super low stretch Spectra. On my Hunter 386 I just replaced the main outhaul with Spectra and the main furler with Sampson XLS Extra. When you replace sheets suggest replacing them with Sampson XLS or equal minimum. On my previous Hunter 31 I replaced the main sheet with Sampson XLS Extra and jib sheets with Sampson XLS because I liked its look and feel. For a recommendation call Samson rope 800-227-7673 or e-mail at dkrupka@samsonrope.com.
On our same year H340, I've replaced the main halyard, jib sheets, and jib furling line, and shortly the jib halyard. The reason for the first three were normal wear and stiffness, but the jib halyard basically exploded at the eye splice in some 18-22 kt breezes a week ago. On a "new to you" boat, it's probably worth examining the entire length of each line for its condition.
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Jack,
as an additional thought to replacing the lines. "The mainsail halyard is a bear to pull through" may indicate that you need to grease your winches as well. I had a similar issue and after servicing the winches, I can now raise the main sail with total ease
as an additional thought to replacing the lines. "The mainsail halyard is a bear to pull through" may indicate that you need to grease your winches as well. I had a similar issue and after servicing the winches, I can now raise the main sail with total ease
Another thought; there are a lot of places in the system where friction can make life hard work. Try these tips too:
Spray some ptfe spray on the mainsail cars and the mast track as far up ad you can get, it transformed things for me!
Try also spraying the various turning blocks, makes a huge difference!
Good luck!
Spray some ptfe spray on the mainsail cars and the mast track as far up ad you can get, it transformed things for me!
Try also spraying the various turning blocks, makes a huge difference!
Good luck!
Hi all, the idea of lubricating the winches and blocks is maybe where I should start. What exactly is "ptfe spray" ?
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