Sail ties instead of rings

water rat

Member
I understand some racers are substituting parachute cord for the plastic shower rings that hold the sail to the boom and mast. I like the idea..it has pros and cons like every thing but would seem to result in a fuller sail. Question is how loose or tight should the cord rings be?...
 
The objective isn't to change sail shape. It's pretty much to allow the rings to rotate more freely, and for the outhaul to slide more freely when making adjustments - the rings tend to jam. I don't think racers use parachute cord - they use a non-stretch tiny diameter line, altho I am sure parachute cord is fine.
 
The objective isn't to change sail shape. It's pretty much to allow the rings to rotate more freely, and for the outhaul to slide more freely when making adjustments - the rings tend to jam. I don't think racers use parachute cord - they use a non-stretch tiny diameter line, altho I am sure parachute cord is fine.
Thanks for the info. I'll probably give it a try
 
Parachute cord is kind of a pain due to the core and the short lengths.
I found some braided poly, about 3/16" at the hardware, it is low stretch, the cut ends clean up easy with a lighter and it holds a knot well. I think it was about 5 bucks for 100'
 
I bought Para-cord in 100 foot length from a sporting store so no problem with length. Here's
a link to someone using Spider-line. Lots of ways to experiment depending on how much you
want to spend. I've found it a good way to swap sails without spending money on plastic rings.
I guess if you wanted to go ultra low friction you could try Teflon braided line.


setting up a Sunfish sail
 
Use spectra or dyneema, 2 mm. I have used spear gun spectra as it can be found less expensive than marine store prices. Line has a coating so it slides over boom easier. No stretch either.
 
Parachute cord is kind of a pain due to the core and the short lengths.
I found some braided poly, about 3/16" at the hardware, it is low stretch, the cut ends clean up easy with a lighter and it holds a knot well. I think it was about 5 bucks for 100'
alot cheaper then the over priced bathroom hooks..I have 20 feet of that line in my rope locker...many tks
 
I got some colored small diameter line at Walmart. I like the colors and it works just fine.
 
[Thanks..anytime a product's association is with boats the price soars. Here is my favorite example. I spoke with a person at the firm that manufactures the line of GOOP Products and asked him what is the difference between Plumbers Goop and Marine Goop. He replied "The color of the tube and the price". You gotta love honesty.. Not all Wally Worlds carry the same products but I will look for it and it should have a load bearing weight on the package or roll.QUOTE="mixmkr, post: 159787, member: 39168"]I got some colored small diameter line at Walmart. I like the colors and it works just fine.[/QUOTE]
 

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