Which rope?

[howardclark]

The halyard for our main is a pain. It’s 30m long, and either braid on a strand core or perhaps braid on braid. After hoisting correctly, give it 30 minutes and there is a sag in the sail which requires two people to go to the mast to retighten it. Then it doesn’t recur. In mild conditions this is no problem, but when you’re bouncing around in a blow then we could do without it!
Speaking to our sail maker he says this is a common problem with these types of rope where the core and sleeve are separate.
So if I change the halyard is the only option old fashioned 3 strand which isn’t as nice to handle?
Thanks for any advice

 

[Snowgoose-1]

Some folks have switched to dyneema halyards. Virtually no stretch.
Worked well for me.

Pricey , but you can get deals on ebay sometimes.

 

[michael_w]

Dyneema.

 

[dunedin]

Definitely NOT 3 strand for a halyard.
Any decent modern rope should be OK - but best for this might be cruising dyneema, dyneema core with conventional outer.
We use Liros Dynamic Plus from Jimmy Green Marine, but pmenty of other options.

 

[Chiara’s slave]

There is not a sailboat on the water which wouldn’t be better for the use of dyneema halyards. Ebay, Jimmy Green offcuts, it doesn't have to be grand prix racing stuff. Premium dyneema is better, but marginal for most boats. Just cruising dyneema is a quantum leap over polyester.

 

[ashtead]

We changed our main halyard to dyneema -there are a number of different qualities/prices but we went based on a riggers advice -it’s much stiffer stuff than your old existing halyard so doesn’t coil so well and when freeing the halyard to drop main you have to watch it more as it runs through block to avoid it catching . Otherwise apart from price no real downside plus you also then have a spare main halyard for emergency use . A Winchard shackle attached are useful if buying a new halyard

 

[Neeves]

All our halyards except the spinnaker on both our X99, 35 years ago, and then our 11.5m cat, 25 years ago were dyneema. The sheets were also dyneema (often retired hayards).

Jonathan

 

[ithet]

I have a *cruising dyneema" halyard which helps a lot with the sag. Can go down a size also. Another option is to add a Cunningham downhaul which I also have.

 

[johnalison]

Never happened with my wire halyard. Not really a recommendation since wire is now widely disliked, but when it came to replacing it there was a problem that the sheave might have worn a groove that wouldn’t accept Dyneema, so I replaced like for like.

 

[Chiara’s slave]

Never happened with my wire halyard. Not really a recommendation since wire is now widely disliked, but when it came to replacing it there was a problem that the sheave might have worn a groove that wouldn’t accept Dyneema, so I replaced like for like.

A part of the beauty of dyneema is the DIY splicing. Wire is possible, but it’s a bitch to work with, plus dyneema is a fraction of the weight. But wire at least does not stretch much. Replacing sheaves with wire halyards, you should probably do that every few years. They definitely go a different shape from new

 

[johnalison]

A part of the beauty of dyneema is the DIY splicing. Wire is possible, but it’s a bitch to work with, plus dyneema is a fraction of the weight. But wire at least does not stretch much. Replacing sheaves with wire halyards, you should probably do that every few years. They definitely go a different shape from new

Maybe should, but mine were still functional after 25 yr and well over a virtual circumnavigation. Not my problem now.

 

[MikeBz]

We have a cruising Dyneema main halyard and still have the same problem as the OP. I reckon it’s creep not stretch in our case, maybe because it’s cleated in a clutch?

 

[dunedin]

We have a cruising Dyneema main halyard and still have the same problem as the OP. I reckon it’s creep not stretch in our case, maybe because it’s cleated in a clutch?

Shouldn't have that issue if a reputable cruising dyneema and a reputable clutch- which is in good condition.
Have you checked the clutch teeth for wear?

 

[Chiara’s slave]

Shouldn't have that issue if a reputable cruising dyneema and a reputable clutch- which is in good condition.
Have you checked the clutch teeth for wear?

It's either the clutch, or it's not dyneema.

 

[MikeBz]

Interesting, thanks. I’ll try marking it just above the clutch next time and see if it moves.