[C320-list] Halyard thickness query

[DennyBrowne@Verizon.net]

I replaced most of mine with 5/16" in various high tech double braid lines. Two Genoa halyards are technora core, but vectran is better because it's less brittle. Two Spinnaker halyards are dynema core. The main halyard is 1/4" vectran core replacing the original poly core in the original cover. Same size line and twice the breaking strength, no stretch. Overkill, frankly, but still the original 3/8" size.

No problem on the sheaves, but the Genoa and spinnaker halyards are a little skinny to hold. Fine in the clutches though, and considerably lighter. 

When the load increases in a puff, boingy halyards let the head of the sail move down, which moves the maximum draft aft. Low stretch halyards make a difference, as the puffs are converted to lift, rather than increased heeling. 

Can you feel the difference? Well, I can't. But the low stretch halyards have lasted a long time. Probably ten years so far, and no end in sight.

Denny Browne
A Cappella #935
Redondo Beach, CA

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Karl Mielenhausen
Sent: Wednesday, March 16, 2016 3:18 PM
To: C320IA Discussion List
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Halyard thickness query

10mm VPC is my suggestion. 105' was plenty on my boat.

I think I actually dropped down to 8mm for the jib halyard. Handling doesn't matter so much there.

Rolling replacement is a good idea. Jib sheets are next on my list. What are folks using these days?


Karl

On Wed, Mar 16, 2016 at 3:44 PM, Graeme Clark <cg at skyflyer.co.uk> wrote:

> I see from the manual that the nominal halyard thickness is 3/8 ins 
> (length 115ft).
>
> I’d place a bet that the halyard on my own C320 have been replaced 
> with something thicker - possibly for ease of handling; or possibly 
> they just look thicker having frayed a bit over the years!
>
> Anyway I am about to start a rolling replacement program, (along with 
> other lines and sheets) and am wondering on the best thickness to use.
> presumably the sheaves in the blocks are all designed for 3/8” so 
> maybe best to stick with that, even if it is tougher on the hands!
>
> Anyone have any thoughts; maybe you replaced yours recently too; what 
> did you choose?
>
> Thanks
>
> Graeme
> #366 Jaskar, 1996, England.
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