You often have no choice on diameter (one up or down maybe) as this is driven by the
boat and the sail area. Especially with
self tailing winches. There are some ropes with great hand and fantastic strength (like Endura Braid) but they are expensive. Cost tends to be a big factor. On my boat (50' cutter) I need a strong 14mm and a soft hand. That's a tough find
NE Ropes Sta-Set is usually fine for cruisers and has a decent hand to it but is not a low stretch line. VPC from NE Ropes is a nice mid-range choice with better performance and then you get into the big-bucks. $4.00/ft and higher
What did you end up with?
Rick Fricchione
S/V Black Diamond
Hylas 49-057
Portsmouth,RI