rob2
Well-Known Member
Putting together the things in earlier posts: yes, of course people managed before the days of Dyneema but whilst a wire/rope halyard was commonly used on anything larger than a dinghy, when braided ropes came in they largely eliminated the wire/rope type. The wire/rope allowed the tail of the haluard to be used on an ordinary winch - believe me, the wire only winches were dangerous beasts! This was possibly a mistake as the halyard would stretch (not as much as earlier 3 strand ropes) as the wind increased and had to be hauled up tight again. Then it became the norm to have headsail furling, which made it more difficult to keep the halyard tight and Dyneema is now the best bet. Unless you revert to a rope/wire type, that is...
Rob.
Rob.