I am replacing all the running rigging on my 33' Pearson. The current rigging is 1/2" for main and jib halyards and sheets. From what I have read for several manufactures they are recommending 3/8" for all these applications. Any suggestions? I am a cruiser and also like to be safer than sorry but don’t want to be overkill.
Running Rigging 3/8" or 1/2"
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Size Does Matter..
Even though rope has come a long way since the advent of the new melinium (lol) your Mast,Sheaves etc are optimized for what came from the factory..the 1/2" line.It MAY be that you can get 3/8" line these days tyats equal to the stregth of whatever came with you8r boat when it was new..and,IF you were a Racer I'd look at changing but if your more a casual cruiser your not going to see any real gain.The difference between the two sizes in price is not alot so,I'd stick with what came with the boat as afr as size goes.If you want/need to cut your costs look on eBay for line from such sources as New England Rope,etc rather than at your local West Marine,Boat U.S. or Boaters World..I've had good luck with eBay Rope ourchases before and so can recomend it..just NEVER buy electronics from eBay..thats a disaster waiting to happen. Good Luck>>> David
Even though rope has come a long way since the advent of the new melinium (lol) your Mast,Sheaves etc are optimized for what came from the factory..the 1/2" line.It MAY be that you can get 3/8" line these days tyats equal to the stregth of whatever came with you8r boat when it was new..and,IF you were a Racer I'd look at changing but if your more a casual cruiser your not going to see any real gain.The difference between the two sizes in price is not alot so,I'd stick with what came with the boat as afr as size goes.If you want/need to cut your costs look on eBay for line from such sources as New England Rope,etc rather than at your local West Marine,Boat U.S. or Boaters World..I've had good luck with eBay Rope ourchases before and so can recomend it..just NEVER buy electronics from eBay..thats a disaster waiting to happen. Good Luck>>> David
reduce halyard size
I think it's a perfectly reasonable idea to switch the halyards down to 3/8". Savings in price, and weight and windage aloft (not much difference but a benefit, nonetheless). Additionally, if the sheaves at the masthead are sized for 1/2", then the 3/8" line will move just as smoothly and wear better with larger radius in the turn than normal or compared to the 1/2" line. I'm not sure what sort of t line you're looking at, but I recommend Sta-set X for the halyards. They stretch noticeably less than normal dacron braids, at a bare premium, priced still less than 1/2" anyway. However, stick with 1/2" sheets. The larger size has much better feel, although the load is still within the range of the 3/8" line. By the way, I really like the New England Regatta Braid for jib sheets. It is very supple and has excellent grip around a winch.
I think it's a perfectly reasonable idea to switch the halyards down to 3/8". Savings in price, and weight and windage aloft (not much difference but a benefit, nonetheless). Additionally, if the sheaves at the masthead are sized for 1/2", then the 3/8" line will move just as smoothly and wear better with larger radius in the turn than normal or compared to the 1/2" line. I'm not sure what sort of t line you're looking at, but I recommend Sta-set X for the halyards. They stretch noticeably less than normal dacron braids, at a bare premium, priced still less than 1/2" anyway. However, stick with 1/2" sheets. The larger size has much better feel, although the load is still within the range of the 3/8" line. By the way, I really like the New England Regatta Braid for jib sheets. It is very supple and has excellent grip around a winch.
Half inch seems like it is way too much.
I wouldn't think that for halyards and jib sheets, safety isn't all that much of an issue. If the recommends are 3/8", they will be fine. If you want a little nicer feel, try 7/16". Half inch seems like unnecessary overkill to me. The block sheaves are probably fine with a variety of sizes, but check it out if you must. Who says the 1/2" was original equipment? How do you know whether or not original equipment was 3/8" and some PO just felt like changing to 1/2" because of personal preference?
I wouldn't think that for halyards and jib sheets, safety isn't all that much of an issue. If the recommends are 3/8", they will be fine. If you want a little nicer feel, try 7/16". Half inch seems like unnecessary overkill to me. The block sheaves are probably fine with a variety of sizes, but check it out if you must. Who says the 1/2" was original equipment? How do you know whether or not original equipment was 3/8" and some PO just felt like changing to 1/2" because of personal preference?
Original Rig and Sta-Set
I don’t know what the original rigging was but it had 1/2" when I got the boat. I am getting a great deal on New England Rope so I will be using that unless there is a problem with there product. This is the layout I was going to use the Sta-Set X for the Halyards, Sta-Set for Jib Sheets and Regatta for Main Sheet. From past the regatta is great but it chaffs to quick to use for the Jib Sheets. Does anyone know what the load would be on the main halyard for a 33' boat with a 40' mast? (estimate) Any comments?
I don’t know what the original rigging was but it had 1/2" when I got the boat. I am getting a great deal on New England Rope so I will be using that unless there is a problem with there product. This is the layout I was going to use the Sta-Set X for the Halyards, Sta-Set for Jib Sheets and Regatta for Main Sheet. From past the regatta is great but it chaffs to quick to use for the Jib Sheets. Does anyone know what the load would be on the main halyard for a 33' boat with a 40' mast? (estimate) Any comments?
I would go with the 1/2"
i have an o'day 30 which has similar mast size, gennie etc. For my halyards I have 7/16". It may be overkill according to strength of line but remember that occasionally you may have to go up the mast in a bosen's chair. Like ross said larger line is easier to handle and i would like to be safer than sorry when trusting my life to a line. my jib sheets are 1/2" and are definitely easier to handle than smaller sizes.
i have an o'day 30 which has similar mast size, gennie etc. For my halyards I have 7/16". It may be overkill according to strength of line but remember that occasionally you may have to go up the mast in a bosen's chair. Like ross said larger line is easier to handle and i would like to be safer than sorry when trusting my life to a line. my jib sheets are 1/2" and are definitely easier to handle than smaller sizes.
A bit of a warning 200grandprix . . . .
yacht braid will swell some as it ages - at least it has for me. If you got your size from measuring it's diameter, it may be a bit misleading. A dock neighbor had a real hassle pulling in a new jib halyard cause he thought it was supposed to be 1/2" when in fact the original and proper size for his boat and sheaves was 3/8. If you are confident that the -original- was 1/2 then go for it. Like others have said, it is easier on your hands and has a good bit of safety margin. BTW, StaSetX is quite stiff and is OK if your sheaves, blocks and winches have good diameters.
yacht braid will swell some as it ages - at least it has for me. If you got your size from measuring it's diameter, it may be a bit misleading. A dock neighbor had a real hassle pulling in a new jib halyard cause he thought it was supposed to be 1/2" when in fact the original and proper size for his boat and sheaves was 3/8. If you are confident that the -original- was 1/2 then go for it. Like others have said, it is easier on your hands and has a good bit of safety margin. BTW, StaSetX is quite stiff and is OK if your sheaves, blocks and winches have good diameters.
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