Time to replace my spinnaker sheets and I will probably opt for Dyneema or one of the other modern lighter options but I thought I would put a few questions to the collective knowledge of the forum;
1. Recommended size line for a 32ft displacement yacht with masthead kite?
2. The old sheets have always just been tied to the snap shackle using a bowline but it is bulky and heavy (not good in light air). What are your thoughts on splicing the new sheets onto the snap shackle?
3. If they are spliced would it have to have a thimble around the shackle or could it be done without?
10mm line should suffice and you could change over to 4mm line in lighter winds. If you go too small you may have problems with your winch.
I'm a big fan of knots. Cheap, no sharp bits and conventional if you want to use the line for other tasks.
Line length 2 times boat length for each line or you could run a continuous line.
max 10mm, I run up to a 130sq meter kite with 10mm, go for a rope with a bit of stretch, for shock absorbancy, for those times when it all goes wrong!
If you are using a snap shackle then why not practice your splicing technique and it should look neater. Do you use shackles to make changing sails easier? If you do not intend changing sails why use a snap shackle at all?
As above, 10mm would suit.
Get a good set of splicing Fids (I got some Selma ones off eBay UK). Practice, practice, practice splicing on some cheap double braid first. It is a bit of an art to get a perfect splice.
Wouldn't use a thimble.
Use a quick release shackle that you can release using a spike.
A strong wind drop is neater if the pole is edged gently to the forestay, fired using spike and then letter boxed between foot of main and boom with the main shielding the kite.
Mine are spliced in a loop at the end then cow hitched to the shap shackle. it makes for a nice snug attachment and you can swap it out later...
Select to expand quoteJethrow said..
Mine are spliced in a loop at the end then cow hitched to the shap shackle. it makes for a nice snug attachment and you can swap it out later...
I agree with Jethrow. Splice a loop and use cow hitch. Also, remove cover for part of sheet that never sees nocks. Again, saves weight. No good if you don't use a separate brace.
Knots is good (bowline) with a bit of sewn sail twine to lock it.
When the load spot gets worn you can cut a few inches off the halliard/sheet and redo it.
