Reefing line size?

[Norman_E]

My original thread was hijacked, so here goes again.

I have fitted twin line reefing to the deep reef, and it works well. There are not enough deck organisers or clutches to do the same for the first reef, so I propose to put in a single line system using a pair of blocks back to back inside the boom, and blocks fitted at the sail cringles. My main question is this. The existing reefing lines are 14mm braid (el-cheapo brand made in Turkey) The boat is a 45 footer and the mainsail is about 40 square metres (my guess as total sail area is quoted at 93 sq.m and the genoa is the larger sail). What size reefing lines can I use bearing in mind that the loads will be taken by a double length due to the use of blocks at the cringles? I am pretty sure I can use 12mm, but what about 10mm, which would run easier?

 

[oldestgit]

10mm Dyneema.....
Bonus is that its probably stronger than 14mm Braid, Down side is cost.
... Peter

 

[rusailing]

we converted from 12mm braid on braid (el chepo) to 8mm Dyneema or Kevlar (due to availability/price) on a very similar system to the one you describe. The reduced diameter and subsequent easier running is worth every penny for sure. Sounds like 10mm Dyneema/Kevlar/Spectra would be perfect for the areas you mention.

Our system is now easy to use and stretch free. The 'block on sail' arrangement means we get outhal and cunningham functions that really do work on all the reefs. It didn't work with the thicker line and friction everywhere in the system.

Try eBay for a hank or perhpas Nigel at outdoorxscape. Mention us - he may give you a discount!

Good luck, Rob

 

[vyv_cox]

We have just done the same, from 12 mm braid on braid to 8 mm Dyneema. Looking forward to reduced friction on our otherwise excellent single line system.

Our Dyneema came from Danson Marine on Ebay. Although the lengths we wanted were not listed, an e-mail to him brought exactly what we wanted at a very reasonable cost. Three lengths, all different and all different colours, delivered within two days.