Reefing lines

[cagey]

On my Sigma 362 I have to replace the red and green reefing lines.
The existing lines are 14mm, the owners manual says 12mm , but what enormous strain is there to justify 12mm.
The outhaul is 10mm can anyone see any probs with using 10mm for reefing lines, just trying to reduce bulk in cockpit

 

[damo]

It may be more to do with the chafe at the cringle? I wish I had fitted mine a bit overlength so I can shorten and end-for-end for longer.

 

[cpedw]

Another resaon to prefer a larger rope can be comfort. It depends how gnarled your (crew's) hands are.
Derek

 

[vyv_cox]

My reefing lines on a Sadler 34 have always been 10mm. I have recently replaced them all with 8 mm Dyneema, reducing friction considerably. Hauling them in is not a problem as they are set up to be winched for the final tightening. Loads have never seemed particularly excessive for 10 mm.

 

[Cerddinen]

Many owners seem to prefer larger lines. Bearing in mind the strength of modern lines (and there has been twenty years of development since your Sigma was specified) there is no reason for this other than comfort. But do remember lines often go through jammers, and the manufacturer specified those jammers to match the specified size of line. This is particularly true of those little jammers under the boom at the gooseneck: these will not jam correctly if the line passing through is too large.

 

[charles_reed]

It really is all to do with what is easiest to handle.

Certainly modern textile ropes are more than man enough for the job, even without using Spectra/Dyneema.

Advantages of small diameter rope:-
1. Easier running, especially with many pulleys the reduction in frictional resistance is marked.
2. Less bulk - my 2nd single-line reef is over 30m long, and even in 8mm Dyneema makes an enormous bundle.
3. Lower weight and cost.

My mainsheet is 10mm Dyneema instead of 14mm prestretch, I have to take a turn round the hand to haul it in successfully, but then that could be arthritis.
In going down in size you need to watch that jammers and self-tailers will still successfully handle the rope - if you do have suitable self-tailers it reduces the handling problem with small-diameter ropes.

 

[DaveS]

My reefing lines are a mix of 10mm (the original, through boom, lines) and 8mm (those I've added myself). There are 8 in all: 3 reefs + Cunningham, both luff + leech lines, all back to cockpit. The smaller 8mm lines give much less friction going round blocks and are more than adequate for the loads. I have no problem with handling them, and they're cheaper! When the 10mm lines eventually wear out (20yo to date and still fine) I will replace them with 8mm. I agree with the point about checking that the rope diameter is within the range that clutches etc. are happy with.

 

[LittleSister]

[ QUOTE ]
My mainsheet is 10mm Dyneema instead of 14mm prestretch, I have to take a turn round the hand to haul it in successfully

[/ QUOTE ]
Isn't that a bit dangerous?

 

[William_H]

You must bear in mind that the leach reefing line carries not only the outhaul load but also all the pressure of the main sheet transfered to the leech of the sail. The eyelet is usually relatively sharp so chafe can be a real problem. Inspect often and move the knotted end of the reefing line often so the chafe point moves. (or fit a pulley) olewill