Jib Sheet Selection

[Matt sachs]

I have a few of those unanswerable open ended questions about reinforcing the area where the jib track mounts. How strong is strong enough? Are we talking a few hundred pounds of force, a few thousand? What size jib sheet would be suitable for a heavy steel 50 footer?
Thanks in advance.

[Stumble]

The formula is

Load in Pounds = Sail Area (in sq feet) * (Wind Speed (in kn) )2 * 0.00431

The deck load is a function of the angle the jib sheet changes as it passes through the block. I can't find the formula, but the link has the chart for the load based on angle of deflection.

Harken Loading Formulas at Mauri Pro Sailing

[psk125]

You can probably get some 1/4" synthetic superfiber line that would be strong enough. It would not be fun to pull on when you changed tacks, however. Look for something bigger that feels good in your hands. 3/4" or bigger won't end up cutting your skin so much.

[Blue Stocking]

Needs to fit fit your winches, if they are self tailers. Blue is 12 tons, and I use 1/2 Sta-set braid, just about max size for my Lewmar 44 secondaries.

[Suijin]

Originally Posted by psk125

You can probably get some 1/4" synthetic superfiber line that would be strong enough. It would not be fun to pull on when you changed tacks, however. Look for something bigger that feels good in your hands. 3/4" or bigger won't end up cutting your skin so much.

1/4" jib sheets on a 50 footer? Dear lord, that's scary.

My vote on a cruising boat for jib sheets is soft or single braid. It's pretty, doesn't kink like double, and is easy on the hands.

[Matt sachs]

Thanks, guys. Got what I needed.

[psk125]

Originally Posted by Suijin

1/4" jib sheets on a 50 footer? Dear lord, that's scary.

My vote on a cruising boat for jib sheets is soft or single braid. It's pretty, doesn't kink like double, and is easy on the hands.

That was my point. You can get really thin stuff that is more than strong enough, but it will not be suitable.