New Halyard Line Size

[benm]

Hi all,

New (to us) boat, new issues

We need to replace the genoa halyard on our Beneteau first 235. It is listed as a 5/16" and 1/4" - Running Rigging Specs for the Beneteau First 235 ...

On the boat there is currently a really chafed line, looks like 5/16" spliced with thinner 1/4".

Can it not be just one size?

Cheers, Ben

[Yellow bird]

First of all the size depends on the material!
Spectra, dyneema, polyester??

[Stu Jackson]

You can get thin line to work based on strength alone even with inexpensive line like StaySet for a boat that size. You could make incredibly thin with newer high tech hi strength lines. However, once it gets too thin it is hard to handle, 'cuz it cuts your hands! You should also check the sheave sizes on the top of the mast. I've used 3/8" as a minimum for "hand."

[Spot]

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

You should also check the sheave sizes on the top of the mast.

I just learned this the hard way. Thought 3/8" would make nicer halyards but my boat has smallish sheaves for the jib and topping lift. I had to hit up my rope guy for more 5/16" double braid.

[meirriba]

Originally Posted by benm

Hi all,

New (to us) boat, new issues

We need to replace the genoa halyard on our Beneteau first 235. It is listed as a 5/16" and 1/4" - Running Rigging Specs for the Beneteau First 235 ...

On the boat there is currently a really chafed line, looks like 5/16" spliced with thinner 1/4".

Can it not be just one size?

Cheers, Ben

It can be one size for sure. No doubt about it...
The specs say that either size will be fine.
Only reason to splice different sizes is if you want thicker line in the part of the line you handle with your hands.

[stormalong]

If you have line clutches be sure your line size can be gripped by the clutch. I once had a rigger who downsized one of my halyards due to the strength being more than adequate only to find that it slipped through the clutch.

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

You can get thin line to work based on strength alone even with inexpensive line like StaySet for a boat that size. You could make incredibly thin with newer high tech hi strength lines. However, once it gets too thin it is hard to handle, 'cuz it cuts your hands! You should also check the sheave sizes on the top of the mast. I've used 3/8" as a minimum for "hand."

Stu hit my thought. Types of line and strength have changed dramatically however fitting that sheave is something to consider.

[Cheechako]

One size is fine, largest that works in your sheaves is best, easier on the hands.

[roverhi]

Is the current line a dacron sheathed dyneema core line with the dacron stripped for areas that don't get handed?? Common to remove the outside dacron braid in areas where it's not needed on high performance boats. I have 5/16" Dyneema/Spectra cored line that I didn't strip because I wanted to be able to end for end to even out UV and wear points. Settled on that size as the smallest line I could hand. Works for halyards as the line goes onto a winch when I really have to haul on it.

[benm]

All the answers make sens, thanks guys!

I'll be on the boat this week and double check measurements, I know the mast base block sheave is a toss, so it will get replaced as well. The local line guy is pretty good, once I know what I want it should be easier to choose the final product.

Cheers for the clutch size reminder, with a new boat there are many things to keep track off...

Ben