[C320-list] Main Halyard Replacement

[Denny Browne]

I just replaced my main halyard with 10mm Spect-Set II, both jib halyards
with 5/16 Aracom T and both spinnaker halyards with 5/16 Maxibraid Plus. If
there's any left, West Marine had 5/16 and 3/8 Aracom T for .66 a foot,
about 70% off their regular competitive price. The 10mm Spect-set is a
little larger, but incredibly strong. As a backup, I bought some 1/4"
Vectrus and spliced it to replace the core of the UULS. It's the best
halyard I have, but I don't keep it on the boat because of the potential UV
damage, as the core is exposed for the first 40 feet or so.

These lines are all considerably stronger than the UULS and have
significantly less stretch. They're discontinued, but I expect them to last
5-10 years. Each of them, including the 10mm Spect-Set II, weighs
considerably less than UULS.

My research has led me to conclude that for main and genoa halyards, vectran
is best, followed by technora (aracom t), spectra (spect-set, maxibraid,
dyneema, amsteel) then polyester. Spectra is less desirable because of its
tendency to creep, or gradually stretch, under a constant load. It's fine
for spinnaker halyards.

Check West Marine's clearance pricing on line, you can save good money this
time of year. Layline (layline.com) has excellent write-ups on the different
kinds of materials. Their prices are very competitive, but not with WM's
closeout pricing.

Denny Browne
A Cappella
Redondo Beach

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Jeff Church
Sent: Friday, March 02, 2007 2:50 PM
To: C320-List
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Main Halyard Replacement

Frank,

Based on their manufacturer's claims, StaSet X has 3 times more stretch than
your OEM halyards which were Yale UULS.

I bought Yale Vizzion a few years ago for my main halyard. It's a
Vectran/Polypro blend. I don't see it sold very widely anymore, but another
Vectran/Polypro blend is New England's VPC. Layline sells it. Still another
blended rope is StaSet X+, but both X+ and X are very stiff and difficult to
splice because they have a parallel rather than a braided core. I just
looked and it seems that NE has dropped X+. It doesn't appear on their web
site anymore. Maybe it was replaced by VPC.

If you are willing to spend a little more, try New England's V100 or Yale's
Crystalyne. I just bought Crystalyne for my jib halyard, from APS. They had
a 10% off sale in February. They might still honor the sale price if you
don't wait too long.  

JeffC 
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Frank Drahos 
  To: c320-list at catalina320.com 
  Sent: Friday, March 02, 2007 8:17 AM
  Subject: [C320-list] Main Halyard Replacement


  I am thinking about replacing the main halyard - after all it is 13 years 
  old - I think it's (safe) useful life is over.

  I am wondering if anyone has "Up-Sized" their main halyard from 3/8 inch
to 
  7/16 inch?  Will this cause problems? Is it a waste of money? Is this safe
? 
  Practical? Will 7/16 fit over the sheaves at the mast head? Will it fit
the 
  rope clutches?

  Secondary question, related question.


  Which would be better?

  New England Ropes - Sta-Set X?  or   Sta-Set?

  I've read that STA-SET X is supposed to be great for Halyards, but I also 
  read that some folks have been using plain STA-SET.

  What about Sampsom Ropes?


  Comments? Please!  At this point it's just an idea.

  Frank
  Belles & Whistles #98