I am replacing my main halyard that seems to be some sort of a climbing rope 7/16" or 1/2" in diameter and having practically no stretch at all but it is very difficult to handle and when I am single handing (most of the time) it keeps on popping out of the self tailing winch because it seems to be very stiff even though it looks like new. From records i found on the boat it may be Aramid 85 which are pretty strong and expensive ropes but this one is difficult to handle. What are the rest of you guys using for main halyard on your F36/38?
I have 1/2" polyester yachting braid for the main, same rope for the sheets and this seems ok. On the foremast I changed to spectra which is stronger and no stretch, but I have the same problems you mention. It gets very stiff and seems to be subject to more wear in the clutch. I will og back to 1/2" braid soon.
regards,
Sta-set is a very common line to use. WM carries it and it’s reasonably priced. If your current line is stiff, consider pulling it and washing it in a bucket.
– Geoff
I’ve been using 7/16" Staset-X for the past five years. No problem with it jumping out of the self tailer.
It does suffer when you use the clutch. To avoid this I hoist the jib first, secure the jib with the clutch, then hoist the main and leave it on the winch rather than use the clutch. I don’t fly a spinaker so this works for me.
Mike;
I was having clutch wear on my halyards until I began adding tension on the winch prior to releasing the clutch. Haven’t seen any wear at the clutch since then.
Thanks Ed, we have the same procedure but still get the wear on the spectra. Both were replaced at the same time but the spectra is quite worn while the braid is like new.
Regards,