preferences

Posted By: john bauer
Date: 9/3/06 10:17p.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

In Response To: "Things get curiouser and curiouser " ... (Gene Bragalone - #485)

Hey Gene....5/16" StaySet halyards will be fine, will run free through the mast head sheaves and have plenty of strength. I think the bolt rope sewn into the mainsail is 5/16" but I might be off by a sixteenth, LOL. I use 5/16" jib sheets, just my own preference, use the same size on my Thistle. They run faster through the jib lead blocks than larger diameter lines, so it seems. Someone will probably argue that the diameter is too small, that a larger diameter would be easier to grip, handle. Whatever. You could use the same 5/16" StaySet lines for jib sheets, plenty strong. I use Samson LS for my jib sheets, durable and reasonably priced. Samson Trophy has the fuzzy feel that some people prefer, solid colors available that keep some assemblance of order. The 7/16" mainsheet is a go, again, the LS is fine for this application. Dunno about you, but I keep hold of the mainsheet as often as possible, especially when sailing solo. So the large diameter I find to be easier on the hands...Hope this helps....John