[C320-list] new main and jib sheets

[Koen Bennebroek]

hi Scott,

thanks for that detailed explanation! Have you looked
at the Marlowbraid stuff? A bit more expensive, but
perhaps worth it? It doesn't stretch as much and
apparently works great on self-tailing winches.

I will write Layline for advice tomorrow.

Thanks, Koen

--- Scott Thompson <sthompson at toad.net> wrote:

> Regarding the Regatta Braid from NE Ropes, this
> stuff feels great in 
> your hands and is easy to splice.  It's the
> mainsheet of choice on the 
> J105 I race on, and I used it with great success as
> the mainsheet on my 
> old Yamaha 30.  But...
> 
> I'm not sure how well it works on a winch or with a
> self tailing 
> mechanism.  I haven't used it in this application,
> and suspect it will 
> not wear well if used this way.  The finish is quite
> soft.  In the J105 
> it is used with a ratchet block and cam cleats.
> 
> It stretches much more than most other polyester
> (Dacron) lines.  This 
> could be a problem with the midboom sheeting
> arrangement on a C320 or 
> for sheeting a big genoa.  You can tolerate some
> stretch in sheets, but 
> I fear that on lines that are loaded enough to
> require using a winch the 
> Regatta Braid might be a bit too stretchy.
> 
> The great "hand" comes partly from a rather loose
> single braid weave 
> (which also is why it tends to stretch).  This means
> that it soaks up 
> water like a sponge.  It also means that individual
> threads tend to snag 
> and pull out of the main rope rather easily.  These
> become long loops of 
> yarn that have to be cut and tied off to prevent
> further snags.  This is 
> the downside to a rope without a tightly woven
> cover.
> 
> In short, a great rope for some applications, but I
> would be a bit 
> careful about testing some of the above features
> before purchasing a lot 
> of it.  I'm somewhat skeptical that it would work
> well on either main or 
> genoa sheets on a 320.  Maybe others can offer
> testimony to the 
> contrary, in which case I will probably buy some
> soon myself. 
> Otherwise, I would probably go with Staset (not
> Staset X) for my sheets, 
> or something similar from another manufacturer.
> 
> Scott Thompson
> Surprise, 653
> 
> Koen Bennebroek wrote:
> > hi Jeff,
> >  
> > finding sheets that handle nicely with bare hands
> is also on my mind. I don't think the main halyard
> needs to be replaced at this time, but the main
> sheet does.
> > I've heard praise for the New England Regatta
> Braid line that West Marine carries, for sole use as
> jib sheet. So I will check that out. But I have no
> idea without going to the boat first what
> diameter/length I need for jib and main. I was
> hoping to find this answer here, but I guess I need
> to wait until I've measured it on the boat.
> >  
> > I think when it comes to replacing the halyard my
> choices are more limited and I need to go with some
> less-stretch cordage. But that's not on the shopping
> list now.
> >  
> > Will keep you posted on my selection and happiness
> with the result.
> >  
> > Thanks, Koen
> > 
> > 
> > ----- Original Message ----
> > From: Jeffrey Hare <catalina at thehares.com>
> > To: C320-List <c320-list at catalina320.com>
> > Sent: Friday, August 4, 2006 4:24:29 PM
> > Subject: Re: [C320-list] new main and jib sheets
> > 
> > 
> > Hi Koen,
> > 
> > I replaced my Main Halyard with Yale Crystaline
> and am pleased with it,
> > although it is much stiffer than the original
> factory bungy cord that ships
> > with the boat.  I think others have done this too.
>  I think 110' is what we
> > have for the Main.  The line came from
> www.pyacht.com.
> > 
> > As for the Genoa sheets, I'd recommend getting
> something that has a nice
> > soft feel in your hands.  Stretch is ok in Genoa
> sheets.  Calling the guys
> > at Layline (www.layline.com), they can give you
> really good advice for
> > choosing lines that meet your needs.
> > 
> > Let us know what you choose!
> > -JeffH
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Koen Bennebroek
> [mailto:vergaar2004-catalina at yahoo.com] 
> > Sent: Friday, August 04, 2006 6:28 PM
> > To: C320-List
> > Subject: Re: [C320-list] new main and jib sheets
> > 
> > A little bit more info: 
> > what I'm looking for is how to choose from the
> likes of Sta-Set , Sta-Set-X,
> > Samson XLS, Samson Trophy Braid or Marlow Braid..I
> would like to get sheets
> > that in order of decreasing priority:
> > - don't wear too quickly over time
> > - don't stretch too much (although I'm not sure
> what the measure is here..)
> > - feel good on your hands
> > - come in 'tracer' colors
> > 
> > We do not race, so I don't think we need any of
> the performance line like
> > Dyneema.
> > 
> > Also, not being at the boat now, which diameter do
> I need and how long do
> > the sheets need to be?
> > Anything else we need to keep in mind when
> purchasing new sheets?
> > 
> > Thanks for any insights.
> > 
> > -Koen
> > 
> > ----- Original Message ----
> > From: Koen Bennebroek
> <vergaar2004-catalina at yahoo.com>
> > To: C320-List <c320-list at catalina320.com>
> > Sent: Friday, August 4, 2006 1:24:53 PM
> > Subject: [C320-list] new main and jib sheets
> > 
> > 
> > We're looking into getting new main and jib sheets
> for Big Cat. Any advice
> > on brand, type, shop? What's the recommended
> length for the 320?
> > 
> > Thanks, Koen
> 
> 
>