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 sjball |
Genoa Sheet Lines |
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Posts: 66 10/31/07 07:27:53 |
I need to replace my original 5/8" diameter Genoa sheet lines. Does anyone have any recommendations on specific line and cost? New England double
braided line at West Marine is currently $2.09 per foot. Thanks for any comments.
Steve Ball Hull #559 Kalamazoo Mich |
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garrywillis |
#1 | |||
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Posts: 278 10/31/07 08:38:39 Moderator |
Steve,
Lots of choices out there to choose from but unless you need a thicker line because you like the hand, I would recommend you go one or two sizes down to either 7/16 or 1/2" Both will go thru the Lewmar 54 tailers with no problem but will probably be stronger and lighter than the ones you are replacing (I assume they are the 11 year old originals) because the technology has gotten so much better. Lighter lines allow the sail to remain full in lighter conditions. The Sampson XLS series is very good and I just noticed that West has New England Ropes Sta Set X in 7/16 (white) on sale for $1.40 per foot - 1/2" is only $1.55 per foot. These lines are good for club racing applications and you can naturally go up (and spend more) from there. Defender usually has pretty good prices too.
Garry
"Breezn" #502 2-Cabin |
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nickwigen |
#2 | |||
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Posts: 216 10/31/07 12:43:32 |
Garry - are you sure about Sta-Set X for jib sheets? I used it to replace my halyards and don't care for it very much. It does have lower stretch than
regular Sta-Set but I've found it difficult to handle. It doesn't bend and twist as well as the regular Sta-Set. If I were replacing my halyards
again I'd not use the X for the main - maybe for the headsail because it stays up on the roller most of the year. Just my 2ยข worth.
Nick Wigen
Ursa Minor #178 FK, 3-Cabin Portland, Oregon |
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yorkrose |
#3 | |||
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Posts: 265 10/31/07 13:49:23 |
Nick,
I agree with you. On our last boat, a C400, I replaced the jib sheets with Sta-Set X. It is very stiff, and it was not very friendly to handle or to winch. I would not do it again. If a low-stretch line is wanted, then a better choice might be a smaller size of one of the super-high-tech materials. For me, ordinary Sta-Set or the equivalent is fine. Regards, Gene Fuller Yorkshire Rose, C42 #870 |
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ksthomas |
#4 | |||
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Posts: 6 10/31/07 14:50:02 |
I have noticed twice in the past year that West Marine's on-line store has had New England brand cordage on sale at 40% off. The price was not offered in
the local store. You just have to keep looking on their web site every few weeks. Might be worth it if you can wait. I saved over $150 on my main halyard
alone.
I will problaby use 7/16 or 1/2 inch Endura braid, or similar. |
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tomca |
#5 | |||
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Posts: 79 10/31/07 15:24:46 |
I would definetly recommend you stay away from Sta-Set X for sheets. It's parallel core makes it difficult to bend. Sta-Set is actually a good choice for
sheets in that it allows for some stretch helping the load to distribute and for the sail to handle puffs better. If you wish to go to something less stretchy
then like Gerry said you could use Sampson's XLS line, it is lower stretch but just as flexable. You could downsize the rope, but I would tend to recommend
the size you have, easier to handle and will be gripped better in the winch. As far as pricing goes being a West Marine employee definetly helps, but we do
price match internet pricing for any site, as long as you provide some proof. Also I know in my store we will match the internet sale's typically. I mean
it's better to sell something then nothing and it's not like west marine is really loosing too much.
Tom
Maxwell #766 2-cabin Pullman Dana Point, CA |
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garrywillis |
#6 | |||
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Posts: 278 10/31/07 16:52:47 Moderator |
Gerry et al,
Thanks for pointing that out about Sta Set X and I stand corrected. Sta Set X is used primarily for halyards and should not be used for jib sheets as it is too stiff. XLS is a better choice for jib sheets or regular Sta Set. Another excellent line for sheet use is the Salsa line from New England. The 10MM size would be appropriate for our boats and it is incredibly soft and pliable. I use it on my jib furling and traveler lines. It is pricier than the others but maybe we could convince tomca to get us all a deal on it since he works for West!!! =)
Garry
"Breezn" #502 2-Cabin |
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melelana |
#7 | |||
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Posts: 329 10/31/07 18:42:03 |
I tend to use the lowest stretch I can find for virtually every line on the boat. Stretch is the enemy in puffs as the additional draft it puts into sails,
especially genoas, is exactly what you don't want. I'm a big fan of endura braid for sheets as it has a soft "hand" and tends to not kink.
XLS is a pretty good substitute. I use T-900 for halyards but it's way too stiff for sheets. Normally running rigging replacement is a
"scheduled" repair unless you have to cut a sheet or allow chafe to get out of control so you can wait for sales. Sailnet used to run tremendous
sales on cordage, but not so much anymore.
The cost of performance line over plain old double braid isn't that much when you thnk of it as an investment in performance that comes around every 6-10 years and makes a huge difference in maintaining the shape you paid for iny our sails.
Larry
Melelana Catalina 42 #175 1990 3cbn, wk Solomons, MD |
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