Care of Lines

CliffL · #1 (**permalink**) 02-07-2008

Anyone do anything special to protect your running rigging? Do any of you remove your lines for the winter? My boat is seven years old and some of the lines are a bit rough (mostly the in and outhauls). How do I know when it's time to replace them? They've been exposed to the sunlight and elements for years... Also, my jib sheets seem to be in good shape, but I was told that I should throw them in the wash with no soap, but with fabric softener to clean them up. Seems a little risky to me. I ran a search on this site, but didn't find any info. Anyone?

Cliffy

kokopelli9 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-07-2008

I take my lines off periodically and wash them in the washing machine...get some of those jumbo mesh bags that are for washing lingerie in...(dollar store is a good source)...and put one line in each bag...this will keep them from getting all tangled up together. I was always taught that clean lines will perform better and last longer.

CliffL · #3 (**permalink**) 02-07-2008

Thanks for the quick reply. Any ideas when it's simply time to replace? With the cost in mind, I don't want to do so too early, but it beats having a line crumble in your hands...which I've actually seen...on a much older boat.

paulk · #4 (**permalink**) 02-07-2008

We have some lines on our boat that would seem to date from 1981, when she was built. She's been raced fairly heavily throughout her career, so we have replace some lines like halyards and some sheets that get worn or chafed. Others, like those reeved inside the boom, don't get damaged as much by UV rays, and don't wear much. For example, the outhaul, once it's set, doesn't get adjusted much. No need to change it. Some original lines may have been oversized so as to "feel" better to hand, and so are still plenty strong enough. They haven't worn out, so we keep using them. We've also had the kevlar jib halyard part a couple of times under load, so it's time for a new one of those. We think that one is about 20 years old, and the line takes a high-load tight radius turn over the masthead sheave, which is something kevlar does not like. The point is that there is no reason to replace all the lines on board, wholesale. Fix the ones that need fixing, as they need it. In the interim, spend money on better wine and you'll enjoy your boat more.

Stillraining · #5 (**permalink**) 02-08-2008

I like to replace one line per year on a used boat, pretty easy to swallow that way, assures me of pretty fail safe sailing, gives me spare line to do other things with like stern ties, and I dont need gloves because the lines are soft.

If cost is really a factor for you, cut about 1' off the lines and retie or splice them on to what ever they a on ( lines over shiv's that is ) by doing this you are moving the ware point of the line that is constantly over the shiv which is the highest stress point for most lines.

jonlgauthier · #6 (**permalink**) 02-08-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by kokopelli9

I take my lines off periodically and wash them in the washing machine...get some of those jumbo mesh bags that are for washing lingerie in...(dollar store is a good source)...and put one line in each bag...this will keep them from getting all tangled up together. I was always taught that clean lines will perform better and last longer.

And here New England Ropes confirms it.