What size sheets for a 1978 30'

[Jimmy Jenkins]

I am aquiring a 1978 30' this week. An excellent Perkins 3.152( about 35 hp) as far as I can determine. Interior will require a lot of work but it appears to be sound structurally. Is 1/2" a good size for the genoa sheets? Also the snatch blocks for the same sheets, I am looking at Ronstan RF 6720's for 1/2" sheets and 2000 lb working load. No tracks, I'll be hooking into the slots on the toe rail. Any advice will be appreciated. This is the first sailboat I've had since 1991 and really excited.

Jimmy
Port St Lucie, FL

 

[Alan]

1/2" jib sheets are far too big for your boat. 3/8" or even 7/16" are plenty big enough for comfortable 'hand' comfort and still be more than capable of handling the loading.

If you are a new sailor you need to know that fixed jib sheet leads are a poor idea. Adjustable leads are a necessary part of proper sail trim control. Fixed snatch blocks do not allow for trim adjustments and should be avoided if at all possible. I would recommend the Garhauer line adjustable genoa cars and tracks. They are excellent quality at a very affordable price.

http://garhauermarine.com/

 

[Nereussailor]

Hey Jimmy,
I have an 83 H30 and my jib sheets are 1/2" I have a 165 Genoa and I don't think that 3/8" sheets would be strong enough unless you're using a hi- tech line. I also have blocks attached to the toe rail and they work ok. It would be nice to have a track with movable blocks, but if you're not racing, it should work. You will have to tack to adjust, but I've found that I can mark the slots on the toe rail for each sail and then do final adjustments from there. If you can afford to pick up an extra block, it would make adjusting a little easier. I'd check out the Garhauer blocks, they're well worth the savings. I've replaced most of my blocks with them.
I'm in Vero, but work in Stuart. If you need someone to help crew for some day sails, email me through the site. It's going to be a couple of months before my boat gets here from up north.

Dave