Mainsheet choice?

What mainsheet line do you use with your 6:1 block (assuming a 57mm / 2.25" size)?

3/8"
10mm
7/16"

I used some 1/2" in a pinch on my 2.25" harken, knowing the blocks are designed for <7/16". Knew it would not work, and it didn't

Not sure if I should go 7/16" and risk the rope cleating accidentally, or go 3/8" which is rougher on the hands in double trap/high wind conditions.

I'm piling on and not replying, hoping that's not rude or hijacking, but in addition to sizing I also would like to know what kind of mainsheet people like - tapered? Cover material?

_________________
1989 H16
2009 H16 squaretop

I can't tell you what size my harken block is for sure cause I'm new to However i went with 40' New England Ropes Salsa Line - 5/16" / 8mm - Green and I'm pretty happy with it, and I've been out in some great wind. I do wear gloves tho.

Stock sheets are now Liros 9 mm: RLM9SW LINE 9MM MAGIC SHEET SILV/WHT

Use the ratchet system and gloves, especially in higher winds.

You need a fuzzy cover for better grip. Newer lines do not retain water weight. Older spun Dacron does hold water.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

I use 3/8" New England Sta-Set line on my 6:1 2.25" Mainsheet (H18) with gloves. Not as grippy as the 7/16" spun dacron, sometimes I have to wrap my hand for a good grip, but it doesn't retain water and runs through the blocks much better!

I know others use dynema or similar, but I'm not crazy about that loose weave.

I look up the Liros line and this model has a polyproylene core and up to 8% stretch. I see some of the dyneema core and "racing" lines with stretch around 1%.

Would I feel the difference in stretch? Coiling or kinking? block turn?

Or am I overthinking the whole thing?

_________________
1989 H16
2009 H16 squaretop

I like my 3/8" Salsa line for the main sheet...... and Buzz line for the jib sheet

_________________
Bill 404 21SE

I know they say not to do this but I spliced the main sheet. I have large hands and 3/8 is a chore on the hands, even with gloves. I used a length of 3/8 just long enough to let the main all the way out short of striking the shrouds (with the traveler extended to either side) and spliced the core (with upholstery thread) to the core of a 1/2" sheet for the balance. I still wore gloves and this made using the main sheet a breeze.

I also used friction tape to cover the splice allowing it to wedge itself into the lower main acting as a stop. Having sailed solo most of the time, that little feature comes in handy when attempting turn or land the boat downwind. But don't listen to me. Be your own judge of whatever will work best for you !!!

_________________

Happy Sailing,

David

Non issue with the loads these see.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)