[C320-list] Snapped roller furling line

[Doug Treff]

Kenny,

For sure you need to talk to the guys at the chandlery where you buy the 
line and let them know what it's for. You want line that does not 
stretch. As in NO STRETCH. Especially if your particular genoa is made 
to be sailed partially furled. The loads can get extremely high and the 
only thing keeping your sail from unrolling further is that line and how 
much it stretches. Or worse, breaks.

David's suggestion of double braid is probably good, or maybe Vectran if 
you want to spend a little more... However be careful because Vectra 
based lines are more susceptible to UV deterioration. There are many 
lines with Vectra core - make sure you pick one with a UV resistant 
covering since your furling line will sit in the sun all summer. Again, 
your chandlery should be able to help you with all these parameters in 
mind. Annapolis Performance Sailing has a great web site with 
information about the different line types and their properties. Even if 
you don't buy from them, the information is invaluable.

Did I say you want line that doesn't stretch? OK. Just checking. Don't 
ask me how I know...  ;-)

http://www.bethandevans.com/pdf/RightLinejob.pdf

Oh and one last thing - In case you don't already do this, take the line 
off the drum every fall, inspect it and store ashore out of the weather. 
It will last longer than if you leave it on the drum over the winter, 
and you might catch the worn spot before it fails. I remove all lines 
that are easy to re-rig in the spring. They tend to last longer that 
way.

---
Doug Treff
September Song #350 - 1996 model
doug at treff.us

On 2014-10-14 17:59, dprudden wrote:
> Kenny, I replaced mine last year with 70 feet of 3/8" double braid.
> 
> David Prudden
> #787
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Oct 14, 2014, at 6:46 PM, "Kenny Geist" <Kennyge at prodigy.net> 
>> wrote:
>> 
>> I was out sailing today on the Long Island Sound in 25 kt winds when 
>> all of
>> a sudden, the jib roller furling line snapped.  I just bought the boat 
>> so I
>> have no idea how long it was on their but it broke a the roller furler 
>> and
>> it looks like it was worn in that spot.
>> 
>> Fortunately, I had a good crew onboard and we were able to drop the 
>> genoa
>> pretty easily and as it is time to put Windrifter to bed for the 
>> winter I
>> will replace the line on the hard.
>> 
>> Does anyone know what type of line and how long it should be.
>> 
>> Thanks
>> 
>> Kenny Geist
>> Kennyge at Prodigy.net
>> 
>> Windrifter 317
>> 1996
>> 
>>