Jibsheets

[palacegrand]

Hi folks,
Wondering what people are using or suggesting for jibsheets. Boat is a Ranger 28, with several newer Neil Pryde genoas and roller furling. However, I seem to be missing the sheets. So before I go out and buy some 3/4" polyprop .....(just kidding!)

Any suggestions, observations or recomendations?

Thanks,
jcm

[Jeff_H]

3/8" dacron double braid should be fine for a 28 foot boat like the Ranger. If I were planning to race the boat I would probably buy Staset X which is also dacron but has less stretch. (I think that there is a chart in the WEST Marine catalog that would be helpful to you.)

Since you do not have a sheet to get the length from, the rule of thumb for the length of each jib sheet used to be 1.5 times the length of the boat plus 6 feet. I prefer to tie jib sheets on with a bowline.

Jeff

[paulk]

Jeff''s advice is right on. I''d add that for easier handling (as far as wear & tear on your hands is concerned) you could go up a size. Be sure the larger line fits through your snatch and/or fairlead blocks first, though, and that you''re able to put enough turns onto the winches.

[BarryL]

1 sheet or two?

Hello,

I am also looking to buy new sheets for my 28'' Newport. I was planning on buying just one line and attaching it to the sail with a cow hitch in the middle. Any comments on that? I think the benefits are no large knots to weigh the sail down or come untied.

Thanks,
Barry

[capttb]

I use a cow hitch but sail is roller furled and I don''t count on being able to untie it at any time in the future. They pull so tight it is almost impossible to untie even with a spike. I think the reason a bowline was suggested is because you probably can get the sheet off without a knife.

[paulk]

Being able to use a jibsheet for something else in an emergency -- like a towline -- would make me tend towards tying them to the clew individually.
If you''re in a situation where you want to change jibs, it gives you a sheet you can use for the new sail before you lower the old one. A cow hitch will work, but it limits your options, as capttb notes. Tying bowlines is good a good way to practice speedy knot-tying or to show off for guests you wish to impress.

[RichH]

A cow hitch is the smallest knot you can tie to a clew, although once it siezes up its a bitch to untie. In an ''emergency'' ... just use a knife!

Bowlines are large (snag), relatively weak (65% strength) and will capsize (come loose) if the sail flogs wildly. Better to use a Buntline - stronger, smaller and wont shake loose

[ross99]

Another reason for individual sheets: when they get frayed where they run thru the tailers on your winches, you can always flip them end-to-end and have a "new" tailing surface at the winch.