Best Lines

I am heading down to Fort Lauderdale next week so I will have a chance to pick up some boat supplies. (Ottawa is pretty limited for small boat supplies.) Can someone advise me on what makes the best lines for jib and mainsheets (material and dimension). Also I see that a lot of the pros are using a fat line laced through their tramps for righting. Can someone advise me on what’s best to use for this purpose?

I would say a lot of it comes down to personal preference, the amount that you're willing to spend, and your level of experience. I haven't bought lines but I am in the market to buy some and that is what I've found.

Hopefully everyone can weigh in on their favorites and why they chose them.

_________________
Zach

I don't know of any place in Ft. Lauderdale that sells the kind of line most of the racers use. I get all my stuff from Annapolis Performance Sailing (http://www.apsltd.com)

For sheets, New England Ropes Salsa is preferred by a lot of people. 5/16" (8 mm) is about $1.21 / ft. (mainsheet) New England Bzzzz line is another good choice. Jib sheet is 1/4" (6.5 or 7 mm)

Aussie jib halyard is usually a single-braid Spectra line - Samson Amsteel or similar. 3/6" (4 mm).

My righting lines tend to be sections of old mainsheets. I've got some old Maffioli Swiftcord and Yale Light as righting lines.

Stop at any West Marine. They carry everything you need.

_________________

Bruce,

Have a great time, and please visit Hank at Nautical Ventures, Griffin at I-95, not far from the Airport.

I switched to Robbline some years ago on my SX18, and I love how soft it is on the hands, plus it's light and it floats.
I'd go with what Matt B suggests.

If you have the urge to sail, go up the coast to Delray Beach...you can rent from Chuck's at the south end.

_________________
2015 H16, with spin,
SOLD 1989 Hobie SX18 Sail # 1947 "In Theory..."
'Only two things are infinite, the universe, and human stupidity. But I'm not sure about the former.'

Matt

I see you prefer lighter lines than Hobie specs; 5/16 vs 7/16 for the mainsheet and 1/4 vs 5/16 for the jib-sheet. I guess the advantage is that it runs through the blocks better? Do the lighter lines still cleat off well? Are they hard on the hands?


(Sorry about these questions. I am sure you have answered these same question at least 100 times already.)


Bruce

The smaller lines would be a bit harder on the hands if they were the stock product (Dacron double braid), but because they are softer, the difference isn't that great.

And they do run through the blocks much, much easier.