extending a furling line

[witzgall]

OUr boat came with a new furling line, but it is too short, especially now that we just added a Harken block system on the stantions.

It is 1/4" double braid. Am I asking for trouble by spicing an additional length on it? I have never done an end-to-end splice, only eye splices.

Chris

PS - It looks to be single braid class I

[Vasco]

Splicing two lines together will result in a slightly larger diameter at the splice. Will this run through the blocks? I would feel better replacing the line with a line of sufficient length. In addition it's been my experience that it is very difficult or nearly impossible to splice old double braid. Get a new line.

[witzgall]

I know I would feel better replacing the line, but if the strength is ok, and it runs fine, then I am ok with it. How much bigger should I expect the splice to be in diameter?

The line has been on the boat for three months. It is not as supple as new line, but not super stiff either. I know what you mean about splicing old line.

1/4" line? How do you pull on it without slicing your hands open?

Your original post is a bit ambiguous, is it single braid or double? Single braid is easier, double braid tougher, but both can be end-to-end spliced. I have an endless loop on my mainsheet blocks that I made by end splicing double braid.It doesn't double in diameter, rather it goes up about 50%, so your 1/4 inch line would have a diameter at the splice of about 3/8"

Usually the best source of information about how to splice is the line manufacturer's website.

PS: If the line is not too old you can make it a bit easier to work with by soaking in water and fabric softerner, then rinsing well. It doesn't work miracles, but it helps.

[witzgall]

Oops, I meant it is double braid. 3/8 might be too thick to pass through the last block, the only one it would need to. The Harken catalog does not list the max line size for their Lead kit.

Originally Posted by GreatKetch

1/4" line? How do you pull on it without slicing your hands open?

Your original post is a bit ambiguous, is it single braid or double? Single braid is easier, double braid tougher, but both can be end-to-end spliced. I have an endless loop on my mainsheet blocks that I made by end splicing double braid.It doesn't double in diameter, rather it goes up about 50%, so your 1/4 inch line would have a diameter at the splice of about 3/8"

Usually the best source of information about how to splice is the line manufacturer's website.

PS: If the line is not too old you can make it a bit easier to work with by soaking in water and fabric softerner, then rinsing well. It doesn't work miracles, but it helps.

[FrankZ]

Originally Posted by witzgall

Oops, I meant it is double braid. 3/8 might be too thick to pass through the last block, the only one it would need to. The Harken catalog does not list the max line size for their Lead kit.

Which kit did you buy? Is it the carbo kit or the other?

If you have the carbo kit which size? The 40mm blocks are up to 3/8 line and the 57mm kit is 7/16.

I can't seem to find the kit I have, I suppose it is the older one which uses the regualr blocks and not the carbo but I belive those blocks are for 5/16 line.

[FrankZ]

Originally Posted by GreatKetch

1/4" line? How do you pull on it without slicing your hands open?

My furler uses 1/4 and it is just fine. There isn't really much load, if any, on the line when I start to furl. Of course with a bigger sail it might be different.

[witzgall]

It is the carbo kit. I just re-checked the Harken catalog and it says 3/8
max for both. So I think I'll try to splice the line and see how it works.
WM has 30% off bulk line right now, so I can go up to the Raleigh store on
Friday and pick up 10-13 feet, which is all that I need to add.

Chris

[Alan Wheeler]

Don't splice, replace. The cost of a new line is not worth the problems that could arise if something goes wrong. And if something goes wrong, it is when you need the gear to be most reliable. Replace it and be done with it. Use the old one for spare line for tie down or throw line or what ever. It will surprise you how often you will use it when you have it.

[AnchorageGuy]

Originally Posted by Alan Wheeler

Don't splice, replace. The cost of a new line is not worth the problems that could arise if something goes wrong. And if something goes wrong, it is when you need the gear to be most reliable. Replace it and be done with it. Use the old one for spare line for tie down or throw line or what ever. It will surprise you how often you will use it when you have it.

I could not say it better. Oh sure lets save a few bucks on a piece of line. So what if it costs us sooo much more later on.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Chuck Baier

I could not say it better. Oh sure lets save a few bucks on a piece of line. So what if it costs us sooo much more later on.

3/8" Sta-Set @ about $0.35 Foot.
I wouldn't waste my time on a splice, to save under $20.

[witzgall]

I am not cheap, I just try and not spend when it is not needed. ;>
Gordm where are you seeing 3/8 sta-set for .35 a foot?


Chris

[GordMay]

35 cents was just a WAG.

[Pblais]

Sorry, it's being too cheap. If it fouls in a stuff breeze you'll regret it and perhaps pay dearly. This is a pretty cheap item to mess with and usually an easy item to fix. You don't get that many. The time to do a good splice is longer than the the time to replace so you are not saving any time. You really don't need sta-set. Ordinary double braid is enough. Once the line is out it sure can't stretch.

[witzgall]

OK, so maybe I am cheap. I'll buy the full length. Thanks for pushing me in the right direction.

Chris