Sail rope

[alexclegg]

Hi everyone
I have a Mirage 28, the reefing lines at the moment are 10mm double braid and i find that they are a real battle to feed through the powerclutch..in fact near impossible, my question is could i use 8mm braided for the reef?
Thanks in Advance

[Cheechako]

I would think so, but it's hard on the hands... Don't you lines stay in the clutch all the time?

[alexclegg]

Hi Cheechako
thanks for the prompt reply, i removed the lines to reseat the clutch...water leaks..into the cabin.
looks like i have to replace the ropes anyway...the clutch can hold between 6mm and 10mm.
could the problem be old line...and maybe new line would solve the problem?
Thanks again

[roverhi]

5/16"/8mm would be fine but hard to grip to put real pull for reefing. I'd stick with 3/8"/10mm for digital kindness. New 10mm line that has been cut with a hot knife should thread and run easily through clutches designed for it. The 3/8" max spec clutches on my boat are hard to start the 3/8" line tack reefing lines but run fine once through.

[JPA Cate]

To the OP:

Since your clutch is sized for 6 to 10 mm, no worries with the 8. I'm making the assumption that the lines go through the clutches to a winch, possibly self tailing. If s/t, then no worries, otherwise, you may find the 8 mm a little small to get a good grip on--that depends on you own hands. I have small hands and it's okay. But I've seen some pretty big hands on some men, and it may not work at all well for them. And that is why the advice to you will vary....or at least, part of why.

Ann