Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.
I want to put new lines on Old Disco (Standard, 25 Cat 1984) and hope someone can help. I want to run line back to the cockpit (external to mast, no wires). Can someone help with size, length, ect? Thanks
Stephen
1.Main Halyard 2.Main Downhaul 3.Jib Halyard 4.Jib Downhaul 5.Jiffy Reef (set up like the parts manual ...current line missing, will run it to the cockpit also) 6.Main Line 7.Boom topping lift line 8.Painter 9.What do you guys think best used for dock lines? 10.Main Outhaul
Jib and main halyards 65'... or a bit more if you want some extra length for eventual wear compensation. Main topping lift 75' if being lead back on cabintop.
Jib downhaul depends a bit on how you are going to run it... with fairleads along the stanchions to the jib tack? (as commonly done)
I don't have a main downhaul... don't need one. Lube your slugs with silicone spray periodically and it will come down on it's own... sometimes too fast :>)
I use braided dock line... some folks like 3 strand nylon. 3/8" works.
The thing about the lines used for sheets and halyards - Go with what others recommended or check out the tables in catalogs such as West Marine. Some lines are too stiff for some applications and others may be subject to too much stretch. The lines that stretch the least are generally more expensive. However, if the same line is stiff, then it would not be suitable for use, such as, the main sheet. There lines that have minimum stretch and not that stiff. The Samson line I used (see link above) is excellent for the main and jib sheets.
As far as dimensions spec'd for the boat, the tech tips section has the manuals and believe there is a sketch that indicates all the recommended lengths and thicknesses.
Another criterion for line thickness is what your clutches are designed for. Too big or too small won't work properly in them. I got my clutches and halyards (5/16 Krypton) from Catalina Direct, so I was pretty sure they matched up right. A downhaul doesn't need a clutch, strength, or size for ease of handling--1/4" is plenty, and a little cam cleat with a fairlead on top will hold it fine.
BTW, what's the "Main line"? Edit: Never mind... I'm guessing mainsheet. I like 3/8" single braid for sheets--it's soft on the hands, doesn't hockle like double-braid sometimes does, and coils nicely.
I used vectran cored double braid for halyards - 1/4" for the main and 5/16" for the jib. Stayset for my sheets is also from New England rope. The brand doesn't matter that much, all of the premium line makers produce equivalent lines but they may have slightly different feels. I have a 3/16" downhaul that is occasionally useful. Pearl came with 5/8" sheets - they felt good in the hand but weighed a ton and reshaped the sail in light winds. I agree with Dave, 3/8" feels right.
I went to all rope halyards this summer, replacing masthead sheaves and wire to 3/8" rope halyards with 5/16" Sta-SetX line, approx. 75' each (I have a tall rig), although the main halyard can be a few feet shorter. General rule that will serve you well is: jib - length of mast and forestay plus 5' plus distance back to cockpit if leading lines aft; main - twice length of mast plus 5' plus back to cockpit, etc. I bought mine on Ebay from Milwaukee Rigging. Outhaul and reefing lines are 1/4". My topping lift is wire down to about 3 ft' from the boom, then 1/4" line thru a turning block on the boom running forward to a cleat on the boom. Main and jib sheets are 3/8" Sta-set line. working jib has heavier sheets that were on the sail when I bought the boat. for dock lines. I use 3/8" line. I've got both braid and 3-strand. My spring line is 3-strand.
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by pastmember</i> <br />A painter on a 25' keelboat? Who are you tossing that too? <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
an almost 6000 lb 25' keelboat. You better tie that to the base of the mast!
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ. The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.