Recommendation for replacement sheets

jaeger

New Member
I have the original sheets that are about a half inch in diameter. I would like to replace these. Can anyone recommnend the type of material line to use? Source and part number maybe? I do have a West Marine nearby.

I have seen that others have used smaller diameter line, is this because it's easier to grasp? Are there other reasons? What is the best diameter to use?

Thanks, Art
 
jaeger said:
I have the original sheets that are about a half inch in diameter. I would like to replace these. Can anyone recommnend the type of material line to use? Source and part number maybe? I do have a West Marine nearby.

I have seen that others have used smaller diameter line, is this because it's easier to grasp? Are there other reasons? What is the best diameter to use?

Thanks, Art

I think that on the jib sheets, the thinner line would make it easier to clear the cam cleats and run free and that would make tacking easier and quicker
 
Jib sheets

I agree, half-inch is way too thick for both main and jib sheets. Thinner lines run through the blocks and fairleads much easier, they're lighter, and much easier to handle.

I personally use 5/16 line for my jib. There are all kinds of super low stretch lines out there that are very expensive. Unless you're into racing at a high level, they're not worth the extra $.

I suggest you go to West Marine and handle the lines yourself. Look for a good quality braided line that's flexible, "grippy", and easy on your hands.
 
What if

Ed, you are always a good source of info. I also wanted the answer to the above question, but do not have the ability to "go to the store". For those of us inland that need to order our supplies, could you be more specific?
Thanks
 
what about the main sheet

Ed Jones said:
I agree, half-inch is way too thick for both main and jib sheets. Thinner lines run through the blocks and fairleads much easier, they're lighter, and much easier to handle.

I personally use 5/16 line for my jib. There are all kinds of super low stretch lines out there that are very expensive. Unless you're into racing at a high level, they're not worth the extra $.

I suggest you go to West Marine and handle the lines yourself. Look for a good quality braided line that's flexible, "grippy", and easy on your hands.

Ed,
Waht diameter do you suggest for the main sheet? I do not race so I do not need anything extravagant. There seems to be so many different materials can you make a more specific recommendation?

Thanks, Art
 
Mainsheets

I'd recommend 3/8" line for the mainsheet, as you want something easy on the hands. As for which brand and material to use for both main and jib, the choices can get really technical, and above my level of expertise. I suggest you e-mail Brian Janney at [email protected]. He really knows all this stuff and he's also a former Capri 14.2 National Champion.
 
Sheets and Halyards

Last year I replaced the Jib and main sheets and the jib and main and jib halards with Marlowbraid by Marlow. The sheets are 5/16" diameter and the halyards are 1/4". This line was recomended to me by one of the tech. service guys at Annapolis Performance Sailing. The line comes in many colors so you can color code the lines for the main and jib. The line runs a lot better thru the blocks than the large line hat was on the boat when I got it. The web site for Annapolis Performance Sailing is www.apsltd.com.

I hope this helps

Roger Lohrey
 
When I changed to a smaller mainsheet, I took the old jibsheet and used it for the main, then I purchased new jib sheet line of a smaller diameter. Works much better all the way around .
 

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