Running Rigging

[Mr Mac]

I'm not going to beat around the bush here, I know squat about rope! I plan to replace the running rigging (mind you, there's not too much of it) for our '82 H25 but I wouldn't know if there is one manufacturer that is better than another or if spending more in this case is better or pointless.

Our sailing will be on Lake Carlyle across the state line in Illinois and we won't be racing, just casual lake cruising on weekends. The reason for replacing them, by the way, is that they are old (look to be original) and filthy. I know I need to size them all for length and diameter/thickness but past that, I'm a newb!

So, what do I need to look for in new running rigging? Any particular material or type over another, etc.?

Mac

[rebel heart]

The size will probably the same as what you have no if you want it to fit through your existing blocks and around your existing winches. The thickness on a normal (< 70' boat) is more about the ability to hold it with your hands than breaking strength.

I wouldn't over think it too much, and you really don't need fancy racing stuff. I wouldn't replace my running rigging until there is clearly visible fraying going on or sections that are stiff from inner-core melting.

Your new ones will get dirty too. Unless you have some particular reason for doing it I'd take your old lines, put them in a bucket (or in a large ditty bag in a large washer) and wash them with mild soap.

If you want to spend the money, spend the money. But probably not needed if they're just dirty and you're in a higher latitude location (like it sounds like you are).

[Stumble]

Mac,

There are hundreds of options, and even on my cruising boat I have tapered halyards and sheets, and all sorts of fancy rope work. I like doing it, and it hurts my feelings to have bigger lines than necessary, plus by doing it myself I can get high performance line at lower cost than less expensive lines.

That being said, unless you like rope work, and know how to do it, paying someone else is much more expensive.

For a small daysailor I would probably just go with all Sta-set line and replace everything with whatever size you already have there. It's reasonably priced, and will work for pretty much everything on the boat so long as minimum hassle is what you are after. It is also pretty ubiquitous in sail shops.

if you want a more detailed look at lines let me know and I will give you some recommendations for a more complicated (thou not more expensive) set up, but it will be more work.