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rigging advice

2.4K views 4 replies 5 participants last post by  Tsuru  
#1 ·
Hi everyone,

It's time for new running rigging on our new-to-us sailboat. It's a 2003 Valiant 42. I'm starting with the halyards and have done a lot of research and some narrowing down--now curious to get some real-world perspective from people who have had halyards made of this stuff.

Boat originally had (and as far as I can tell still has worn-out original) Samson XLS for all its halyards. Obviously we don't need the world's most expensive HM racing fibers as it's a heavy cruising boat, but I realize there are a lot stronger and less stretchy materials available now than 19 years ago, and it might be worth considering an upgrade. There's a pretty wide range of price here, and I should say we're not rich (I'm DIYing as much of this as possible) but we have saved up for this job and don't want to be penny wise/pound poor either. Our goal is offshore cruising.

Here's what I've narrowed it down to. Happy to hear opinions of other products you've favored on similarly used boats:

Samson XLS3 (if we were to replace what we now have with the modern equivalent)

Samson WarpSpeed II

New England Ropes VPC

New England Ropes Endura Braid

Yale Cordage Maxibraid Plus.

Thanks!

Troy
S/V Miranda in Galesville MD
 
#3 ·
You should just remove the Sampson XLS3 from your list unless you absolutely can't pony up the small difference for a better line. That is the lowest performance line in your list, and a PITA to splice.

Instead, replace it in your list with Sampson MLX3. This is similar in price to NER VPC, with marginally higher strength and marginally lower stretch. Not enough to make much of a difference, so the choice between those two is up to you.

These are the minimum line types I'd use.

After that, it is into much higher performance and cost. Not too much difference between the three you list. Personally, I find it advantageous to spend more for an ultra low stretch main halyard. Other halyards not so much. Sheets probably not unless you have non-dacron sails.

Another deciding factor is if you can drop a size or two (or three) in line with a more expensive choice. As long as it still fits your clutches or is still handleable, a smaller line is better all around. Sails drop faster and easier, they go through deck hardware faster and easier, they work better in lighter air, etc.

Mark
 
#5 ·
Good morning Troy. Our boat is similar in size , weight, and use. We used Endura on the Genoa , Solent, spare Genoa, and Main halyards. Sampson MLX3 on the rest. All are still in service after many thousand of offshore miles.
If I were to replace today I’d use Endura for the Main halyard , Main Outhaul and Genoa halyard. Sampson MLX3 for the rest. Be diligent to avoid chafe.
Ray
s/v Aurora