I installed Harken's small boat single line reefing system. The kit recommends 5/16 line to be used. Does it need to be that big? I have a Hunter 21 ft daysailer with about 150 ft2 mainsail. The outhaul and cunningham is 3/16, so why not use that for the reefing system? Well that's what I bought anyway, 3/16 sta-set, before I opened the kit and saw the recommendation for 5/16. The 3/16 runs nice in the blocks, looks good on the sail, and I'm not worried about my hands, but is it inadequate in a blow? Need reassurance or advice to use heavier line. Thanks, Dan
Size of reefing line
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Why such small diameter?
The selection guide and size recommendations for New England Ropes indicates that Sta set is the right choice but they recommend 5/16". You could try your 3/16" and if the line looks stressed after a few uses, change it out.
The selection guide and size recommendations for New England Ropes indicates that Sta set is the right choice but they recommend 5/16". You could try your 3/16" and if the line looks stressed after a few uses, change it out.
Call Harken
Harken should be able to tell you what criteria they used in coming up with 5/16". As a retired Engineer (although not Naval), I can assure you that they have a reason for 5/16", which in your case may not apply. It for example, could be based on a maximum size that could be used without filling up the spool. It could be determined as a minimum size that would not cut into your hands. 150 SqFt is not that big and i think that 3/16" SHOULD be suficient, the 'operative' word being "should". Before i trusted my safety and my boat to anyone on here, I would call Harken and see what they say. Tony B
Harken should be able to tell you what criteria they used in coming up with 5/16". As a retired Engineer (although not Naval), I can assure you that they have a reason for 5/16", which in your case may not apply. It for example, could be based on a maximum size that could be used without filling up the spool. It could be determined as a minimum size that would not cut into your hands. 150 SqFt is not that big and i think that 3/16" SHOULD be suficient, the 'operative' word being "should". Before i trusted my safety and my boat to anyone on here, I would call Harken and see what they say. Tony B
Tony's right ...
about trusting your safety and your boat. When you said reefing, my mind jumped to the mainsail reefing system - not your headsail furler.
Doesn't it make the most sense to simply install the recommended line? I'm sure you can find another use for your 3/16" line.
about trusting your safety and your boat. When you said reefing, my mind jumped to the mainsail reefing system - not your headsail furler.
Doesn't it make the most sense to simply install the recommended line? I'm sure you can find another use for your 3/16" line.
There's a point of confusion here that . . . .
the owner has to resolve. He described it as Harkens' "single line reefing system". Isn't that for the mainsail and not a furler? For mainsail reefing, I think 3/16 is a bit small . . . 5/16 is prolly best as suggested by Harken. However, the owner could use the 3/16 for a few seasons before swapping it out (which should be pretty easy).
the owner has to resolve. He described it as Harkens' "single line reefing system". Isn't that for the mainsail and not a furler? For mainsail reefing, I think 3/16 is a bit small . . . 5/16 is prolly best as suggested by Harken. However, the owner could use the 3/16 for a few seasons before swapping it out (which should be pretty easy).
I think i mis-read....imagine that
I think u are right, i misread, but in either case, my original statement still stands....Before i trusted my safety and my boat to anyone on here, I would call Harken and see what they say.
I think u are right, i misread, but in either case, my original statement still stands....Before i trusted my safety and my boat to anyone on here, I would call Harken and see what they say.
Harken called back
and said 5/16 sounded big for my boat, 1/4 should do fine. 1/4 is a good compromise, and a good excuse to go find out whats on sale at my distant west marine store. I'm a trailer sailor trying to introduce my wife to sailing, so the reefing system is likely to be used to minimize heel in 10-15 knot wind. We are not going out in any chop or gusting conditions this season, or we won't be getting a bigger boat someday. We'll have to get a motorhome instead. That's to explain my bias toward smaller line, and why i bought 3/16. Talking to Harken, it sounded very subjective as to line size. Thanks, Dan
and said 5/16 sounded big for my boat, 1/4 should do fine. 1/4 is a good compromise, and a good excuse to go find out whats on sale at my distant west marine store. I'm a trailer sailor trying to introduce my wife to sailing, so the reefing system is likely to be used to minimize heel in 10-15 knot wind. We are not going out in any chop or gusting conditions this season, or we won't be getting a bigger boat someday. We'll have to get a motorhome instead. That's to explain my bias toward smaller line, and why i bought 3/16. Talking to Harken, it sounded very subjective as to line size. Thanks, Dan
If wifey likes sailing.....
If wifey likes sailing, you got it made. My Gf loved it from the first day we sailed and neither of us had ever even been on a sailboat before. Then wife came along and ruined the whole day. No, not really, but would have made for a good story. Anyway, since our first day sailing, GF always wants to buy stuff for the boat. Makes life more fun when you share the same passions. Im not sure if she likes the sailing part or the chains and shackles better, LOL. In either case, i wish both of you the best of luck in your sailing adventures. Tony B
If wifey likes sailing, you got it made. My Gf loved it from the first day we sailed and neither of us had ever even been on a sailboat before. Then wife came along and ruined the whole day. No, not really, but would have made for a good story. Anyway, since our first day sailing, GF always wants to buy stuff for the boat. Makes life more fun when you share the same passions. Im not sure if she likes the sailing part or the chains and shackles better, LOL. In either case, i wish both of you the best of luck in your sailing adventures. Tony B
I read this before
Sailboat....Motorboat....Motorhome....Nursinghome..... Hopfully the transition will be slow.
Sailboat....Motorboat....Motorhome....Nursinghome..... Hopfully the transition will be slow.
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