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Replacing 5/16 genoa sheets

2K views 12 replies 6 participants last post by  zz4gta 
#1 ·
I think I've settled on Samson Trophy Braid 3/8 for a genoa sheet replacement on our Precision 23. So many choices, so little time. I've spend a whole day studying specs and qualities of ropes, and am about to pull the trigger. My trimmer complains about the strength needed to haul and hold the old ones, and I hope to make him happy with this. Also, It comes in a color that I'm looking for.

All of this to ask if there's any reason I should avoid Trophy Braid for this applicaion, or if there's something significantly better.

Is weight a significant factor on a 20 foot (including tailings) sheet line?

Thanks,
 
#2 ·
Not in my opinion, no, weight isn't significant at that level.
Different folks have different values for significant. I don't think 1/10 of an ounce per will add signicant heel topside, or significant windage.

It's more about the 'hand' of the braid; and therein lies the significance. Some of the light weight uber strong new lines are so slippery you can't hand trim unless you have good gloves and grip.
So while sure, on your boat you could get double the price 1/4 uber braid and maybe gain .00001 knot of VMG you'd loose your trimmer and be out more money.

Assuming you are going for the basic 10 dollar trophy - is it worth it?
 
#7 ·
MLX to me is slippery and hard to hold on to but I only used it when it was new and not worn in. we got rid of it way before it got worn in if it ever will. did not like it, slides right through your hans
 
#9 ·
No need to go top shelf on a 23 footer.

If you want to go fancy and mid grade, you have a few options.
Blended Single braids:
Bzzz line - tight line with a solid feel
Apex - more flexible and comfy, sizes run large, make sure your blocks will work with it.
Salsa - slick at first but breaks in nicely, sizes are true.
Swiftcord - runs a little thick and it's grippy but has good hand. A little tough to splice, and pricey.

IMHO I don't think you're looking for that kind of expense. Look into Regatta braid from NER. About the same price as sta-set, but a better hand. New England Ropes - Product Details

Blended Double braids:
Samson MLX
NER VPC

I'm using MLX on my mainsheet and really like it. It runs well, you can strip it, the cover is tighter so it's a bit harder to splice. I really like the colors as well. I think this made it on the boat in 2011 or 2012? Very little wear so far but not on a winch.

I'm using VPC as my primary jib sheets and have been pleased as well. We typically use winches and race the boat hard and they're holding up ok. Bought them in 2009. This year I flipped the cover around and "double ended them" as they were getting fuzzy.

No reason to go Gucci on sheets for a small boat. What's your budget?
 
#10 ·
I like XLS or NE Ropes Sta-Set pretty well for genoa sheets. It's comfortable stuff in the hand. 3/8" or so works well. I like to put an eye splice in the end (either with spliced in dyneema tails or just into the double braid) then attach it with a small soft shackle to get a fitting that isn't dangerous and that won't hang up on shrouds.

Trophy Braid has a very different casing that I don't like as much in the hand. It also absorbs water like nothing else, which means the sheets get pretty heavy if the lazy sheet ends up in the drink.

MLX is very expensive for this application.
 
#11 ·
So many ideas, all appreciated. Concerning budget, I'll spend more money if I'm confident that I'll be able to see a noticeable difference in the hand comfort, and in the weight of sheets in extremely light air, which we get around here in the summer. Of course I don't want to throw money away where I can't tell a difference on a 23 with 150 genoa.
I see differening opinions on what feels good in the hand.

Is polyester on polyester truly the best feeling and running line for hand held use? If I could get half the weight with equal hand that's the way I'll go. Color is a factor too, and I've been looking for red. Some don't come in red. Maybe I'm just slow, but this shouldn't be so hard.

Thank you for all the input.
 
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