Hey Wavedancer....is there any real difference between 7 and 8 mm? Is a thicker line easier to use?
Another way to look at it, it's a 14 % difference in surface area and 30 % in cross-section area, volume, and mass.it's a difference of about 1 mm.
That condition drives me nuts as well......how does adding a length of cable keep the mainsheet out of the water?Thought I'd chime in here with my thoughts on those mainsheets that drag in the water under light and variable wind conditions. While the speed lost is probably only "cosmetic", there's not much the skipper can do about that condition. But a dragged and soggy mainsheet will sprinkle cold water on you as you change tack.
What I've done to keep peace with my mind about this, was to add a short piece of 1/16" stainless steel cable at the bridle end of the mainsheet. This ultimate mainsheet extension definitely helps to keep the mainsheet above the water, so it has helped!
For that length, the S/S cable is lighter than a wet mainsheet, and may be lighter than the dry mainsheet shown. It also doesn't hold water. Guess it could be longer, yet. So far, so good.That condition drives me nuts as well......how does adding a length of cable keep the mainsheet out of the water? Mike
That seems like a really bad idea. If it gets windy you won't be able to sheet in far at all going upwind and you'll make poor headway. I'd stick to normal rigging.Thought I'd chime in here with my thoughts on those mainsheets that drag in the water under light and variable wind conditions. While the speed lost is probably only "cosmetic", there's not much the skipper can do about that condition. But a dragged and soggy mainsheet will sprinkle cold water on you as you change tack.
What I've done to keep peace with my mind about this, was to add a short piece of 1/16" stainless steel cable at the bridle end of the mainsheet. This ultimate mainsheet extension definitely helps to keep the mainsheet above the water, so it has helped!
The cable is only 16" long. Am I missing something by sheeting-in the boom to less than 16" above the deck?If it gets windy you won't be able to sheet in far at all going upwind and you'll make poor headway. I'd stick to normal rigging.
How does this idea work?A (much) simpler solution is to tie the (bitter) end of the sheet to the hiking strap (with a bowline).