Replacing running rigging

[brokesailor]

I am looking to replace my jib and main sheets. Never shopped for sheets before. Would a polyester double braid like Sta-set from New England Ropes be a good choice?

What size do other 37's use out there? The sheets on my boat are so oversized they do not fit the winch self tailer or the clutches.

Thanks!

[Lake Superior Sailor]

I like Sta-set and use it on my boat. You need to get what fits your winches & clutches..Dale

[valis]

Sta-Set X is also good. It uses a parallel-lay core (not braided) so it has slightly less stretch than regular Stay-Set. Low-stretch is a good thing for sheets and halyards.

Agree, get what fits your clutches and blocks, probably 7/16" or 1/2". If you go too small it's hard on the hands and your clutches won't work. Too big and you have excess friction and wear.

[arisatx]

Originally Posted by brokesailor

I am looking to replace my jib and main sheets. Never shopped for sheets before. Would a polyester double braid like Sta-set from New England Ropes be a good choice?

What size do other 37's use out there? The sheets on my boat are so oversized they do not fit the winch self tailer or the clutches.

Thanks!

Broke:

Our old PSC37 had 7/16" NER Sta set double braid for the mainsheet specified on the packing list, but the owner's manual spec'd 1/2" double braid. We eventually replaced it with 1/2" NER Regatta braid.

We had a 120 Genoa, IIRC and it had NER staset 1/2" sheets.

[teejayevans]

Originally Posted by valis

Sta-Set X is also good. It uses a parallel-lay core (not braided) so it has slightly less stretch than regular Stay-Set. Low-stretch is a good thing for sheets and halyards.

Halyards I can understand low stretch, but sheets, I would think a little flex would be a good thing, in case of unattended jibe or gusting winds for example.
Tom

[Gary M]

It is not as important with sheets as halyards, but if you have stretchy sheets then ever time there is a little puff some of it absorbed by the sheets and not transferred to the boat as drive.

[valis]

Originally Posted by Gary M

It is not as important with sheets as halyards, but if you have stretchy sheets then ever time there is a little puff some of it absorbed by the sheets and not transferred to the boat as drive.

Correct -- stretching generates heat, and that's where the lost power goes. Stretchy sheets can also make it more difficult to keep the sails properly trimmed.

Honestly, for cruising you're not going to see much if any difference between Stay-Set and Stay-Set X (or the high-performance racing lines). Standard double-braid (Stay-Set) is probably easier to splice, too.

For a cruiser, probably the main reason to consider a higher-performance line is when the line size would otherwise become too large for convenience. With a PSC37, 5/16" or 1/2" poly double-braid line such as Sta-Set should perform well enough, and the diameter is good for comfortable handling characteristics. On a bigger boat, 1/2" Sta-Set just won't do the job as well, so it makes sense to look at hi-tech lines.

[Seacurves]

So how do you determine when running rigging should be replaced? Are there different practices for halyards vs sheets?

[valis]

Originally Posted by Seacurves

So how do you determine when running rigging should be replaced? Are there different practices for halyards vs sheets?

I just look for wear.

Jibsheets typically chafe at the sail clew attachment and where they rub against the shrouds. Halyards can chafe at the blocks, and at any shackle eyes. Look carefully inside the eye splices, the line can get very worn here and still look OK at first glance.

Sunlight can also degrade the covers on the sheets and halyards, and this shows up as fuzz, etc.

Don't forget your control lines (furling, vang, reefing, preventer, etc). Unspool all the line from any furling drums, and inspect every inch.

Other than sunlight and chafe, lines will last a very long time in normal use. If a line looks good it probably is good.

[Seacurves]

Thanks Valis!

With your recommendations in mind I have at least one line that is very ready for replacement. So another quick question: what is a good way to calculate ideal line length? For example, right now my mainsheet seems way long and is always coiled up with an unused 15+ feet.

Would appreciate any guidance.