Rope Diameters for Running Rigging
Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2012 4:51 pm
I'm working on the mast right now, and have removed all the old wire/rope halyards. I plan to replace them with all rope, and was curious as to what size line others are using. Looking at the sheaves it would appear that 11mm (7/16") is about a maximum, although 10mm might be a better fit.
Checking opinions on the various forums, New England Ropes VPC seems a goodchoice for halyards, and Regatta Single Braid for sheets.
I also wonder if it would be practical to make up "wire"/rope halyards using AMSTEEL-BLUE to replace the wire. I have a length of this line as a topping lift on the Vega, and I'll use it for lifelines on the Ballad. It's incredibly thin, strong, soft, and doesn't stretch. Plus single braid is very easy to splice.
Finding a method of joining the two types is next on the research list.
Checking opinions on the various forums, New England Ropes VPC seems a goodchoice for halyards, and Regatta Single Braid for sheets.
I also wonder if it would be practical to make up "wire"/rope halyards using AMSTEEL-BLUE to replace the wire. I have a length of this line as a topping lift on the Vega, and I'll use it for lifelines on the Ballad. It's incredibly thin, strong, soft, and doesn't stretch. Plus single braid is very easy to splice.
Finding a method of joining the two types is next on the research list.