Blocks, cleats, and lines.... overwelming..

[zz4gta]

We'll by 6pm tonight I will be a proud new sailboat owner. A merit 25. However it has pretty much all the original equipment on it. I'd like to upgrade some of these things but I don't where to start or even what sizes to get. I will be doing this over time b/c I'm a firm believer of if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

A friend of mine said I could get away with 5/16 halyards, 3/8 for the main sheet and 1/2 for head sail. Does this sound good? And as far as types of lines, I'm looking for something with better wear potential over comfort, as most of the time I'll have gloves on.

The blocks, I'm completely lost on. They seem to be measured in mm by the pulley wheel size. How does that correspond to line size? Also, what material should I be looking for? I plan on doing a little racing (nothing serious) and want equipment I can trust, but don't want to spend big money for minimal weight savings.

I know that's not much info to go on, but I could really use some advice. Thanks!

[tigerregis]

Where's that "sheave" guy when you need 'm?

[poltergeist]

No offense, but have you tried Google? I found the guidance on running rigging pasted below ... that should lead you the right direction for blocks, too.

Kurt

RUNNING RIGGING TABLE
January 14, 1991


LENGTH DIAMETER STYLE COLOR
-------------------------------------------------------------------------


TRAVELER 25 3/8 TROPHY SOLID BLUE

JIBSHEET (2) 40 7/16 ULS WHITE WITH BLUE STRIPES

CUNNINGHAM 20 1/4 YACHT BRAID BLUE LONGITUDINAL STRIPES

CUNNINGHAM 5 5/16 YACHT BRAID BLUE LONGITUDINAL STRIPES

DOCK LINES (2) 25 3/8 NYLON GOLD GOLD 3-STRAND

REEF LINE 22 3/8 LST WHITE WITH RED STRIPES

REEF LINE 22 3/8 LST WHITE WITH BLUE STRIPES

TOPPING LIFT 48 5/16 LST WHITE WITH RED STRIPES

JIB HALYARD 78 5/16 YALE MAXI WHITE WITH RED/BLUE STRIPES

VANG** 50 5/16 YACHT BRAID WHITE WITH LIGHT BLUE FLECKS

FOREGUY 55 1/4 YACHT BRAID RED LONGITUDINAL STRIPES

TWINGS (2)* 13 5/16 TROPHY SOLID BLUE

SPINN. HALYARD* 78 5/16 YALE LIGHT SOLID LIGHT BLUE

MAIN HALYARD 90 1/4 YALE LIGHT YELLOW

HEAVY SPINN.
SHEETS (2)* 55 3/8 TROPHY SOLID RED

LIGHT SPINN.
SHEETS (2)* 52 3/16 TROPHY SOLID RED

TOWLINE* 60 3/8 NYLON GOLD GOLD 3-STRAND

MAINSHEET* 80 7/16 YACHT BRAID BLUE LONGITUDINAL STRIPES

BACKSTAY** 50 3/8 TROPHY SOLID BLACK


* existing - not replaced on 1-14-91
** not installed - probably not the right size

[JimsCAL]

The major line suppliers and the marine catalogs like West Marine and Defender have tables with recommendations on line sizes and types for various applications. For halyards, you want a low stretch line, not a basic double-braid. A good quality double-braid is fine for the sheets, especially on a boat your size.

[zz4gta]

No offense taken. I actually didn't try goodle. Thank you. And I'll check on getting a catalog from west marine. Thanks.

[SailorMitch]

Congrats on the M-25. Just wondering if you ever checked out the one in Maryland at Oak Harbor? I sent you pics of it back when. They are nice boats, and supposedly do well in PHRF races.

As for blocks and other deck gear, check out www.garhauermarine.com Great gear at reasonable prices. If you have questions, call them. They are great to deal with. I have a load of their stuff on my Pearson.

For sizes of lines and specific recommendations, you also can check websites for the manufacturers. www.neropes.com is a good one for starters.

[speciald]

The Harken catalog also has block selection guidelines.

[PBzeer]

I'll second Mitch on using Garhauer equipment. Good price, good quality, and good folks to do business with.

[zz4gta]

Mitch, I did check out that merit, thanks for the pics. However the owner was asking quite a bit more than what I felt the boat was worth. So it didn't work out. The one that I bought, was a deal I couldn't say no to.

[CapnHand]

[quote=zz4gta;209272]I'm a firm believer of if it ain't broke, don't fix it./quote]This Flowchart could be what you're looking for.