Hey Hobie Dog,
The advice given in this post is well noted. I have sorta large hands and 3/8" sheet feels like kite string, especially when I'm on the wire. That's the reason I spliced my main sheet. I connected my blocks, let the boom out as to consume as much sheet ( 3/8") as was needed for sailing downwind, then cut it and spliced on 1/2" sheet to the remaining length.
When you're on the tramp and sheeted in, you still have to handle the 3/8" sheet. But further out (especially on a reach) when you really need to apply sheet tension, 1/2" sheet feels very compfortable.
I spliced 3" of each core (using sail/or upolstery thread) together then overlap the 3/8" sleeve over both cores. Then I overlap the 1/2" sleeve over the 3/8" sleeve, stiching all these connection with a good solid stitch. Finally, I cover the seam with friction tape. If the sail ever goes all the way out, the tape will act as a stop in the main block cleat preventing the continued movement of the sail.
I also use 3/8" for my main traveler sheet but that's a connection that I tie to my mail (sail) sheet. Sounds like a lot of work? At first, I thought so too but you will discover that it was well worth it when you're out on the water.
Happy Sailing,
David
P.S. Yo Dog!!! Just wanted to give you your "props" while I was out here.
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