Hybrid halyards: thin dyneema + cheap tail

[gregcope]

Anyone tried or seen Hybrid halyards consisting of a thin part spliced to a cheaper/thicker tail (for hauling/winching/clutches)?

For example you could have a 6 or 8mm 12 strand Dyneema standing part that did tack to deck spliced to a similar length of cheaper, thicker (12mm?) double braid for the run to the clutch.

Bar the faff of making one; what would the issues be bar not being able to end to end it?

I know you can just remove the cover from a 12mm dyneema doubl braid, but they can be quite expensive and that seems a good waste!

I need a new topping lift / spare so might make one as a lockdown project!

 

[William_H]

I think most people would want the same dyneema right through the halyard. yes I understand the clutch grip becomes a problem. I have a clutch for main halyard but it does slip so I simply add a horn cleat down the line from the clutch to provide really positive cleating. No I don't love clutches very much. This option might appeal to you.
Or alternatively take the outer from a 12mm rope section and feed it over the dyneema at the critical area and sew it through occasionally to keep it in place. ol'will

 

[Neeves]

You can end for end, you just chop the splice out and make a new one at the other end. But you will find the existing hybrid last a long time anyway - so the need to end for end is reduced.

Jonathan

 

[gregcope]

there are a few problems I am trying to address;

1. Cost of decent Dyneema; half of which is wasted in the tail that is just used to hoist
2. Size; Most people want a thicker tail for hand comfort when hauling in ie around 12mm but this is usually way over spec for most yachts
3. As @William_H mentions Clutch grip can be an issue

@Neeves I now add a short piece of dyneema sheathing to high wear areas like mast sheeves. I would expect my lines to last a very long time ...

 

[Neeves]

there are a few problems I am trying to address;

1. Cost of decent Dyneema; half of which is wasted in the tail that is just used to hoist
2. Size; Most people want a thicker tail for hand comfort when hauling in ie around 12mm but this is usually way over spec for most yachts
3. As @William_H mentions Clutch grip can be an issue

@Neeves I now add a short piece of dyneema sheathing to high wear areas like mast sheeves. I would expect my lines to last a very long time ...

I do the same, dyneema hollow tape (obtainable from many rope makers) 'sweated' over a slightly smaller rope for areas of wear (sheets that rub on life lines, snubbers), I tried splicing but it was too much like hard work - I now sew. If your sheaves wear your halyards I might look at the sheaves and sheave slot - there really should not be wear. Dyneema is very abrasion resisitant.

Jonathan

 

[dankilb]

Is the purpose of this for absolute performance (racing/extreme load) or for replacing wire halyards?

If not, why bother with a tail etc.? My preferred supplier of Liros dyneema reel ends sells for around £2/£3 per m, depending on diameter.

Unless you’re dead set on paying RRP, I’d just replace with polyester (or vectran) covered cruise/racing dyneema straight-through from eBay (many of the boat jumble suppliers have set up shop there now, what with C-19).

Over this winter I’ve slowly collected top-drawer dyneema (Liros XTR/Magic etc.) for all halyards and control lines on our 42’ and reckon I’ve spent <£500 in total, with lengths to spare. That’s all lines!

Dyneema = expensive just isn’t my experience, if you know where to look. But sorry if I’ve misunderstood the rationale in this case?!

 

[gregcope]

@dankilb You have a good point. At those prices there is no point.

I too share you bargain hunting. Never paid RRP, but find 12mm in the lengths needed for a main halyard hard to find. YMMV.

 

[dankilb]

@dankilb You have a good point. At those prices there is no point.

I too share you bargain hunting. Never paid RRP, but find 12mm in the lengths needed for a main halyard hard to find. YMMV.

Best bet for the longer lengths is just to ask. My supplier gets reel ends from the manufacturer - after they've run off the 200m reels for the retailers. That means a 'reel end' can theoretically be up to 199m! I gather than shorter lengths sell better, so he often chops up the longer lengths (unless he has a potential customer in mind, that is).

We've got a 17m mast (I think) and buy halyards over length, so I've sourced up to 45+m recently.

PM me and I can share their details with you. Rather not advertise my 'honey hole' too widely!

 

[gregcope]

Thank you @dankilb