Using Kevlar Line to Re-Rig

[scallywagg444]

So if I got the proper load size for my sail area and displacement, would using some stronger-than-steele line be a good idea? Thanks guys...this would be a dreadnaught 32' by the way...

[DaveOnCudjoe]

Dyneema is frequently used these days to reduce weight aloft. UV and abraision resistance is good and cost is getting better. Some companies are now specialising in the conversion with many specialty fittings. Colligo Marine comes to mind. What is your motivation? Dave

[daddle]

They don't use steel in rigging for it's strength so much as for it's low stretch. A good idea? Probably not.

[scallywagg444]

Ok..its for the stretch...Ok thanks...my intent is being able instead of replacing the gromits that keep the cable in place, just to tie the line with bowline knots and possibly cost...

[daddle]

Bowlines won't work well. You'll want proper eye splices around thimbles and then lashings for adjustment. The problem with stretch for modern rigs (I don't know what yours is like) versus say square riggers of yore is the shroud angle. A tiny bit of stretch or mis-adjustment results in a big misalignment of the spar. A bend. Perhaps unlike the old tree trunks, modern aluminum spars can't withstand much bend without collapsing.

[roverhi]

Colligo Marine rerigged a Westsail 32 with Dynex Dux a couple of years ago. Haven't heard how it worked out but think it would be relatively worth while conversion if it will last in the sun. Weight savings is significant and strength is far superior to SS wire. They oversize the rigging because of UV degradation, possible chafe and to cut creep to virtually zero. They use custom designed thimbles with splices to end the lines and adjust the rig with good old new fashioned deadeyes. The hardware is expensive and so is the synthetic line so doubt there would be any significant savings over wire especially if you are replacing the turnbuckles. The splicing supposedly can be done by any competent amateur with a little practice. The rigging supplied by Colligo is pretensioned so has very little stretch.

These new high strength, low stretch synthetic lines don't like knots. There strength is significantly weakened by the short radius bends of knots and they are so slippery knots can slip.

[savoir]

You don't say what rigging job you would like the kevlar to do. Can you narrow in down a bit ?