Minimum diameter for reefing lines

[eddystone]

I have a Sadler 32 (therefore fairly modest sized main) with 2 line slab reefing, all lines led back to the cockpit via turning blocks and organisers to clutches, the luff lines via "spectacles" in place of the ramshorns. I want to reduce friction and some of the reefing lines were recycled from an old genoa halyard - not sure exact diameter. What is the minimum diameter recommended that won't slip in the clutches - 8mm?

 

[johnalison]

I think it is going to depend on your clutches. However, the way forward is reputed to be Dyneema. I haven't made this step yet myself, but it will need a bit of a rethink, presumably including tails that will fit my old clutches.

 

[ridgy]

Dyneema might be a bit OTT and expensive for reefing lines on a non performance boat.
8mm braid on braid quite sufficient I would have thought.

 

[eddystone]

Think I will get a shortish length of 8mm braid on braid to test whether clutches will grip; dyneema strictly for halyards in my world.

 

[Achosenman]

Are the the clutches marked with the working line diameter? The XTS’s on my boat say 8-14mm and the XAS’s say
6-10mm...I think.

I use 8mm Dyneema for reef 1&2, reef 3 uses 10mm. The boat is 40ft if it helps.

 

[Fantasie 19]

Are the the clutches marked with the working line diameter? The XTS’s on my boat say 8-14mm and the XAS’s say
6-10mm...I think.

I use 8mm Dyneema for reef 1&2, reef 3 uses 10mm. The boat is 40ft if it helps.

Could you use thin stuff for the moving parts and then just splice enough thicker stuff on the end to grip in the clutches or would the tail have to be so long it would defeat the purpose??

 

[Achosenman]

Could you use thin stuff for the moving parts and then just splice enough thicker stuff on the end to grip in the clutches or would the tail have to be so long it would defeat the purpose??

I think you would need a very long tail. I personally wouldn’t want a spliced line in my reefing system.
I cannot imagine the OP’s boat wont have clutches that cant handle 8mm line.

 

[Daydream believer]

My hanse 311 has a larger main than your 32ft & I have 8mm lines (actually now they have stretched they seem to be a bit more like 7mm) with single line reefing. They are braid on braid. I do have dynema halyard & laminate mainsail.
The Spinlock clutches are fitted with the correct innards for 8mm lines. The blocks at the luff are ball raced Barton of ample size. No block at the leech, the line passes through a cringle.
I have no issues with friction. Obviously I have no unnecessary blocks in the boom to cause problems.
One line has been replaced due to careless wear at the gooseneck. The other has lasted 16 years OK.

 

[colind3782]

We use 8mm and the clutches handle it fine.

 

[lw395]

Our first reef is tapered dyneema, the bit that normally runs from the boom end, to the leach and back is thin. The bits which meet the winch and clutch are full size.