Jens Rig

Sunfish Puff

New Member
I am rigging my Sunfish with a Jens rig. I am going to use Spectra line as the main halyard but can’t figure out what size in “mm” to purchase. I am going to order 45 ft but it is so expensive I want to order the correct diameter. I am thinking 8mm. Does anyone know? Thanks.
 
8mm is what I use for my mainsheet. I think that is too thick for a sunfish halyard. The standard seems to be 5mm (3/16"). Though I've seen thinner on racers... the thinking is that the thicker halyard adds to the overall drag of the boat. However, I find thinner than 5mm difficult to grip when hoisting the sail.
 
8mm is what I use for my mainsheet. I think that is too thick for a sunfish halyard. The standard seems to be 5mm (3/16"). Though I've seen thinner on racers... the thinking is that the thicker halyard adds to the overall drag of the boat. However, I find thinner than 5mm difficult to grip when hoisting the sail.
Thanks so much that was quick!
 
It used to be easy when APS sold sailing gear - you could look at their recommendations which were spot on. 5 mm still seems a bit thick for the main Jens line, but I am not sure. Why don't you order from Dinghy Shop in New York? They know all the right stuff for Sunfish. 45 feet sounds about right for the 1-line jens, but are you sure its enough? Dinghy Shop would know that too. You mention a main halyard - typically isn't the one line Jens the long skinny one you are ordering, and the main halyard is a bit thicker?
 
It used to be easy when APS sold sailing gear - you could look at their recommendations which were spot on. 5 mm still seems a bit thick for the main Jens line, but I am not sure. Why don't you order from Dinghy Shop in New York? They know all the right stuff for Sunfish. 45 feet sounds about right for the 1-line jens, but are you sure its enough? Dinghy Shop would know that too. You mention a main halyard - typically isn't the one line Jens the long skinny one you are ordering, and the main halyard is a bit thicker?
Ok, I’ll give Dinghy Shop a call this morning. Thanks for your input, I appreciate it.
 
sunfish Line Specs.jpg
 
I'd still call Dinghy Shop to get their thoughts - I don't use the Jens rig, but I seem to vaguely recall they order the halyard in a (much?) longer length.
 
Let us know what you find out from the Dinghy Shop. It will be good to know what their thoughts are.
 
Note that there are now at least two 'flavors' for a Jens. The 'GustAdjust' variety uses one very long halyard and the other one uses two lines. I use the latter (rarely). Because both have to pass through the hole in the mast cap, they need to be skinny (4 mm). And finally, we have the original Jens that has to be rigged on shore and is non-adjustable once under way.
 
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