Running Rigging

jamieFL

jamieFL

.
Oct 6, 2018
113
Watkins 25 Seawolf Dunnellon / Crystal River
I need some new running rigging for my Watkins 25. When I removed the sails this weekend, I found that both halliards, and a few others are chafed. I've been reading up on the subject and am now completely confused as to what I need and where to get it.

Most on my boat appear to be half an inch, but some may be as small as 1/4. I used the calculator somewhere, I think it was this sight, and it said 5/16 for my boat. How do I measure? There is not much difference between 1/2 and 7/16 if I get it wrong. I guess I could take a sample to West Marine.

Length. My Genoa halliards seems way to short. I had to attach another line to it to get the sail down although it may be that way on purpose. It is just long enough, when the sail is up to tie it off on the furler. Others seem to be much too long. With the main sail down and the halliards attached to the bottom of the mast, there is a large coil left around the winch.

What type should I use? Polyester seems right.

Where should I order? I see that sailboat owners has a vendor. How do I know I'm getting the good stuff and not cheap Chinese junk, but still getting at a good price?

By my questions, you can see I'm a nube. When I visit rigging vendors websites, I don't know how to answere some of their questions. I prefer to do as much work on my boat as possible myself. I'm pretty handy. I hate paying labor, but sometimes paying a pro can be cheaper. Does a rigger buy enough quantity at wholesale low enough to make up his labor in what I'd pay retail? My mast will be down and my boat on a trailer. Problem is I don't believe I live near enough to one. St Pete is a 2.5 hour trip.
 
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dlochner

.
Jan 11, 2014
12,712
Sabre 362 113 Fair Haven, NY
jamieFL said:
Most on my boat appear to be half an inch, but some may be as small as 1/4. I used the calculator somewhere, I think it was this sight, and it said 5/16 for my boat. How do I measure? There is not much difference between 1/2 and 7/16 if I get it wrong. I guess I could take a sample to West Marine.
Click to expand
Here's a video on how to measure line diameter. It is very helpful. http://www.apsltd.com/aps-advisor/measure-diameter-braided-line-expert-advice/

jamieFL said:
What type should I use? Polyester seems right.
Click to expand
Each application needs different line. For halyards, low stretch is important. I use New England Ropes VPC for my halyards. Another good choice is Sta-Set X, but that can be a pain to splice.

Annapolis Performance Sailing is a great resource for information about types of line and has good line selection guides.

jamieFL said:
Where should I order? I see that sailboat owners has a vendor. How do I know I'm getting the good stuff and not cheap Chinese junk, but still getting at a good price?
Click to expand
Supporting SBO is a good idea if they have the line you are looking for, it is good to dance with the one that brought you. Unless West Marine is having a sale you'll pay a premium for the line there. I typically buy line from Defender.com or Annapolis Performance Sailing (www.APSltd.com).

As for line quality, buying from a reputable chandlery is a good idea. You can't be sure what vendors on Amazon or on eBay are selling.
 
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Likes: Ward H
Gunni

Gunni

.
Mar 16, 2010
5,937
Beneteau 411 Oceanis Annapolis
You have two choices: Hire an expert, or become an expert.
Sounds like you want to be an expert, so you will have to study and learn.
Start with a basic understanding of which lines are used for which functions on a sailboat. They are not all the same. Some functions require relatively expensive line to meet optimum performance and longevity. Other functions simply require a good, well-made standard line.
You know you have a few improperly measured lines, you have your rig down. So measure what you have and make note of errors, and line size. Inspect your clutches and sheaves, it sounds like somebody stuck some improperly sized lines on your boat.

Annapolis Performance Sailing has a building full of experts, and owner Kyle has spent a lot of time making videos that answer your questions. There is no short-cut here, you need to know and understand that your running rigging is right.
http://www.apsltd.com/aps-advisor/sailing-knowledgebase/line/
 
Ron20324

Ron20324

.
Jan 22, 2008
8,050
Beneteau 323 Annapolis MD
jamieFL said:
...Most on my boat appear to be half an inch, but some may be as small as 1/4. I used the calculator somewhere, I think it was this sight, and it said 5/16 for my boat. ...
Click to expand
I doubt you should have 1/2 inch on your boat. My B32 has no line larger than 3/8 or maybe a mm larger than that. I measure rope and wire with an open-end wrench since neither is usually actually "ROUND".
 
markwesti

markwesti

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Jun 24, 2014
80
Westsail 28 72 Long Beach , California
For your boat https://sailboatdata.com/sailboat/watkins-25 I would not go to small on lines you handle like Gen sheets and Main sheet , Halyards , 3/8 I think for those , running rigging like traveler 5/16 . Topping lift for the main part , vinyl covered wire rope 1/4 and then to a purchase 1/4 double braid . My favorite line is New England double braid Sta-Set . And now the fun part you get to learn how to eye splice . I recommend Selma fids used in this video
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Ward H

Ward H

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Nov 7, 2011
3,774
Catalina 30 Mk II Cedar Creek, Bayville NJ
jamieFL said:
nother line to it to get the sail down although it may be that way on purpose. It is just long enough, when the sail is up to tie it off on the furler.
Click to expand
That sounds like it is a CDI furler and while I don’t have one, I think that is common with them. Maybe someone else can speak to that.
On my O’day 25 I used 5/16” line for my halyards and 3/8” for sheets. 1/4” for control lines like Cunningham, outhaul, etc.
On my C30 I use 7/16 for jib sheets, 3/8 for main sheet, 5/16” for halyards and 1/4” for control lines.
Today’s lines are plenty strong enough so it is more about grip and feel of the line. NER Sta Set and Samson XLS are decent lines for the price. You really can’t go wrong with them. You can get lower stretch lines for more money but you probably won’t see a difference unless you are an experienced sailor.
 
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deltaten

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Feb 1, 2014
82
Watkins 27 North East, MD
I went with 3/8 stay set for everything on my W27. A roller will be less in dia. once installedinstalled, tho I'' keep the 3/8 for sheets. Nice "hand", plenty strong, reasonably priced and available. No need for special, fancy or pricey lines :)
 
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