Main and Genoa sheet material?

[nimrod1230]

Powerful 42ft yacht. What are the collective thoughts on particularly main sheet material and indeed is it worth going to dyneema?

 

[savageseadog]

Dyneema is always better and you can rig a size down but does the boat really warrant spending the extra money? Main Halyard would be my first upgrade.

 

[johnalison]

For me the handling qualities would always be more important than small changes in function. Any line has to work with the self-tailing winches as well as being comfortable to handle, so I don't perceive going down a size for sheets as an advantage. On my boat a smooth or shiny surface is also needed so that jib sheets will pass round the shroud rollers smoothly.

 

[PetiteFleur]

Bog standard double braid polyester will do fine, probably 12mm diameter minimum. I've got 14mm on my mainsheet, very nice to handle and 12mm on the genoa sheets which work fine on self tailing winches. Jimmy Green Marine often have good deals.

 

[Ian_Edwards]

I'd go dyneema every time, you'll get much better performance out of your boat, low stretch, less retensioning, better sail shape.

 

[William_H]

I would not go dyneema. I think some stretch/spring in the main sheet would be a good thing. (in a crash gybe) I think that jib sheets would stretch as you tension them with the winch and probably not much more after that so as said polyester rope of a suitable size for pulleys winches etc and largest for nice handling. olewill

 

[nimrod1230]

A small sample split roughly 50/50. This question was on behalf of a friend and I have already said mine are dyneema specified from new. Handling and grip on the winch is fine but it does get a bit stiff towards the end of the season though wash through like new. Also suggested he contact his sailmaker for more input. The manufacturers agent has suggested polyester, the manual, dyneema, hence the confusion. Thanks as ever for your thoughts.