I replaced all my halyards and sheets with kernmantle rope which I got from my local SAR group of which I'm a member. Once a rope is used for an actual rescue it must be retired by Provincial edict, so there's lots of virtually new rope hanging about. Kernmantle is a continuous strand core, the kern, covered by a protective cover, the mantle. It has virtually no stretch if it is a rescue rope versus a climbing rope which has lots of stretch. It is, as you mention, useless as dock line, it's really strong but will tear your cleats of given the chance.
I’m in the process of replacing the old steel standing rigging with dyneema. Other than the cost it is pure joy! So easy to splice and work with. Wish this had been around 30 years ago to use on my Biloxi Schooner. Great article!
You can get rid of a lot of expensive stainless steel hardware, which probably should also be replaced if you're going to replace the wires, to save money. Lashings can replace turnbuckles. One more advantage of replacing with Dyneema -- you can carry spare materials (and a fid) and make a replacement shroud or stay, should you or a colleague need one, out in the field.
Excellent review. I recently replaced the centerboard pennant on my 20 ft trailer sailor. The rigger suggested Amsteel. Who was I to argue? More is better? Right? Unfortunately, cleating my slippery high tech centerboard pennant is not ideal and it’s strength is probably 10x what’s needed for a 75 lb board.
Thanks, James. Right, something with a Dyneema core would have been great (if stronger than needed), but you'd want something with a cover for cleating and easy handling.
On Passage I used three strand dacron because it's easiest to splice around thimbles or eyes. Stretch was well within the parameters of my cruising needs. Also it was 3/8", the minimum I would consider for ease on the hands. I know there's all kinds of snazzy lines out these days but double braid makes good sheet lines and is also easy to handle. Mooring lines are always nylon or double braid dacron if using a snubber. Just my take....
The best rope for sheets is regatta single braid from New England Ropes. https://www.neropes.com/products/performance-cruising/product/detail/regatta-braid/
It does not kink or get tangled and is easy on the hands. so far i have got at least 5 or 6 years out of lines left in the weather with no problems.
I replaced all my halyards and sheets with kernmantle rope which I got from my local SAR group of which I'm a member. Once a rope is used for an actual rescue it must be retired by Provincial edict, so there's lots of virtually new rope hanging about. Kernmantle is a continuous strand core, the kern, covered by a protective cover, the mantle. It has virtually no stretch if it is a rescue rope versus a climbing rope which has lots of stretch. It is, as you mention, useless as dock line, it's really strong but will tear your cleats of given the chance.
I’m in the process of replacing the old steel standing rigging with dyneema. Other than the cost it is pure joy! So easy to splice and work with. Wish this had been around 30 years ago to use on my Biloxi Schooner. Great article!
You can get rid of a lot of expensive stainless steel hardware, which probably should also be replaced if you're going to replace the wires, to save money. Lashings can replace turnbuckles. One more advantage of replacing with Dyneema -- you can carry spare materials (and a fid) and make a replacement shroud or stay, should you or a colleague need one, out in the field.
Excellent review. I recently replaced the centerboard pennant on my 20 ft trailer sailor. The rigger suggested Amsteel. Who was I to argue? More is better? Right? Unfortunately, cleating my slippery high tech centerboard pennant is not ideal and it’s strength is probably 10x what’s needed for a 75 lb board.
Thanks, James. Right, something with a Dyneema core would have been great (if stronger than needed), but you'd want something with a cover for cleating and easy handling.
Wonderful article. Thanks! I'll keep it where I can refer to it whenever I'm thinking about lines.
In order to get a traditional look on my CLC Tenderly using synthetic cordage, I’m using Langman POSH 3 strand for the running rigging. Works great and doesn’t have a “plasticky” look or feel. https://www.rwrope.com/shop/langman-posh-21737?search=Posh#attr=6303,6313,6327,16325,16327
On Passage I used three strand dacron because it's easiest to splice around thimbles or eyes. Stretch was well within the parameters of my cruising needs. Also it was 3/8", the minimum I would consider for ease on the hands. I know there's all kinds of snazzy lines out these days but double braid makes good sheet lines and is also easy to handle. Mooring lines are always nylon or double braid dacron if using a snubber. Just my take....