A Question Of Lines

[cburger]

I would love to get the members thoughts pros and cons regarding new line for our traditional looking sailboat. I am thinking or replacing all the running rigging with all white 3 strand nylon vs. the more mordern double braid in various colors. I prefer the look, think it looks more seaman like on the pinrails, decks, winches etc. as well as being much easier to splice.

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by cburger

I would love to get the members thoughts pros and cons regarding new line for our traditional looking sailboat. I am thinking or replacing all the running rigging with all white 3 strand nylon vs. the more mordern double braid in various colors. I prefer the look, think it looks more seaman like on the pinrails, decks, winches etc. as well as being much easier to splice.

Ummmmm.................you might not want to do that.

IMO

[Pblais]

Three strand stretches a lot. It also gets stiff when you add too much salt. These can be fine for dock lines but for running rigging low stretch and free running would more desirable qualities.

3 strand is however far cheaper and some sailors think being cheaper is always better. In that case other opinions usually are moot.

[44'cruisingcat]

Originally Posted by cburger

I would love to get the members thoughts pros and cons regarding new line for our traditional looking sailboat. I am thinking or replacing all the running rigging with all white 3 strand nylon vs. the more mordern double braid in various colors. I prefer the look, think it looks more seaman like on the pinrails, decks, winches etc. as well as being much easier to splice.

It won't look more seaman like when it's blowing 30+ knots and your mainsail's luff is all baggy due to halyard stretch.

[roverhi]

Marlow used to make a low stretch 3 strand dacron. It's been awhile but you might check and see if it's still available. We used it and stretch was acceptable for the 1/2" line on our W32.

aloha
Peter O.

[Pblais]

Marlowbraid really is nice stuff I redid all the running rigging on the last boat. It was cheaper than Stayset and stronger. It's gone up in price and since then my source switvched to a german brand that is still better than satyset but also still cheaper and stronger.

[cburger]

Main halyard is currently wire rope spliced to 3 strand nylon, no stretch. I will look into the Marlow Braid.

[Pblais]

Check the sheaves. You may need to replace them before going from wire to rope.