What is the best material for haylards

[Matt Borders]

I am going to replace the two internal haylards on my Hunter 22. I currently have 3/8 rope and I think that these are the originial haylards (1982). I don't want to spend a lot of money and I would rather do it in the most economical fashion. I don't want the haylards to stretch too much either. I am not racing, just cruising.Does anyone have any suggestions on where to get my new haylards and what material they should be?

 

[robert taylor]

3/8

you may want to move to a 5/16". it would be plenty strong and you could get less stretch for less $$ with a smaller diameter. you need to make sure that it will work in rope clutches and self-tailing winches if you have them. sta-set-x is a reasonably low stretch line. the less stretch there is in the line, the more difficult the line is to coil. less stretch is definately better for sail shape efficiency.

 

[Bill O'Donovan]

3/8

It handles better and is what's supposed to be used. Check either West Marine or Boat US catalogs for the difference in price, and you won't find much. The same pages will describe the very features and benefits you seek. And be colorful, it helps brighten up the boat.

 

[Steve Dion]

Sta-set is an excellent choice.

Matt:Sta-set is an excellent line. I agree with Bill, stay with the 3/8", it is easier on the hands.Yale also makes some good line too. West Marine and Pyacht usually have sales come spring time. You also want to have eyes spliced in the lines. Knots actually weaken the line (sometimes by 50%).

 

[Alan]

5/16 or 1/8

This raises a question that I have along the same line. I recently removed my head sail for cleaning. It is on a furler, but the line was too short to lower the sail without the end going half way up the furler slot. I had to splice on a 5/16 line so that it would fit through the furler slot. I used enough 5/16 so that I can replace the 3/8. Is there a problem with using the 5/16 on this rig, or should I go back to the 3/8? When I say problem, I mean things such as stress on the line. Thanks

 

[Jack Bollinger]

sta-set-x

Hello Matt,I just replaced the wire to rope haylards on my 1983 C30 with 3/8 Sta set X, and it works great.I purchased it from Sailnet and the price and service was better then I expected. 3/8" was $.50 cents a foot, and no sales tax...Check out the link below, and best of luckJack

 

[robert taylor]

3/8

i think it is worth considering the 5/16. i had 3/8 on my cat 30 which is probably twice the sail area and weight of the 22. 5/16 is easy on the hands if the sails are small enough. i have a daysailer that carries 220 square feet of sail that uses aramid 1/4". the weight savings aloft is also a benefit.