Spectra Trapeze instead of wire?

On some of the other forums there has been some discussion of using spectra line or dyneema line in lieu of traditional wire for trapeze.
This appeals to me on a couple of different levels, primarily because my trapeze wires get kinks and broken wires and need to be replaced in spite of being very careful with them when rigging and taking the boat down.
A secondary benefit would be ease of replacement, and possibly a bit less weight up at the mast hound which would make the boat a bit easier to right. ( I'm reaching a bit, I know) but every little bit helps.
Anyway my question is would this be Class Legal on any or all of the Hobie Cat Classes?

Given that the IHCA Class Rules are exclusive (if it's not specifically allowed, then it's not), I would say no - expecially when the rule for trapezes goes like this (from the 18's rules):



It definitely says "wires".

The definition of "wire" (from Wikipedia):


Spectra is not "wire", therefore it is not allowed. Sorry, Stephen.

You would have to check the class rules for the class you are thinking of changing.

But on the FX One it is class legal for the traps as well as any of the other rigging. Additionally the boat comes supplied from Hobie Cat with the Spectra lines for the traop. Premade and spliced.
I like them alot. Much easier to deal with. They also do not seem to bounce around as much.

INTERNATIONAL HOBIE CLASS ASSOCIATION
2005-2008 CLASS RULES
Page 19
HOBIE FX-ONE CLASS RULES
5. WIRES AND RUNNING GEAR
5.1. Running gear of any type of stainless steel or rope may be used provided it is of equal strength or better than HOBIE CAT CO. sup-plied equivalent components.

The durrability may be an issue. And i usually coil them up and put then in a old spin bag and bungy to the mast to keep them clean and the sun off of them.

I believe if they offered the rest of the rigging as an option to get in Spectra or the equivelent line in the appropriate strength I would try it.
I deffinitely like the Spectra trap lines beter than the wire .

_________________
Mike Hensel
'86 Hobie 18, '93 Hobie 14, '80 Hobie 14(restso in progress)
Wind in your sails, water in your shoes, great day!

Are you trying to talk Stephen into getting an FX-One - just so he can have his Spectra traps?

Matt,

Thank you for the quick, concise, accurate and knowledgable reply. I rather suspected as much, but felt the need to ask the question.
I am sure that when the rule was written wire was really the only way to go.
Line technology has certainly advance in the 30some years since the 16 and the 18 were designed and engineered, as evidenced by the change in the wording for the FXOne.
What would be involved in getting the wording changed for the older boats? I assume it would take some kind of a submission to IHCA. Would it be worth the effort? ( a subjective question to be sure ) Would there be any interest by the participants of this forum in crafting and submitting such a change to the IHCA. Matt, what would your thoughts be on the subject of submitting a request for a change in the wording of the way the equipment rule is written with regards the requirement to use a Trapeze WIRE instead of allowing the use of a line.?

Stephen

I don't think it would be that hard to effect the change. The process is:

1.) Propose it to the HCA.
2.) HCA submits it to the IHCA Rules Committee.
3.) IHCA Rules Committee puts it out for comment by the sailors
4.) IHCA Rules Committee makes a recommendation to the IHCA Council to Approve/Disapprove.
5.) IHCA Council votes to approve/disapprove
6.) If approved, IHCA forwards to ISAF for final approval (on International Classes - 14, 16, 17, 18, Tiger)

It takes at least a year, and usually much longer.

The thing you have going for you here is that it could be considered a safety item. If someone is trapped by the trapeze line, you can cut Spectra with a knife. It's also not any more expensive than a wire trapeze.

I don't know, that 20 rudder deal went through pretty fast. Maybe faster.
Isn't there a bit of stretch even with the good line?

Stephen, Just do it. I wouldn't know why anyone would object, especially on the basis of safety.

_________________
1989 Hobie 18 Worlds Boat, Magnum Wings & Spinnaker
1987 Hobie Holder 20 #273

dale.vanlopik"at"att"dot"net

Matt you saw right through me.

FX One, the only Spectra class.

(Anouther cheap plug)

_________________
Mike Hensel
'86 Hobie 18, '93 Hobie 14, '80 Hobie 14(restso in progress)
Wind in your sails, water in your shoes, great day!

Oh here is one that shows the line more.

_________________
Mike Hensel
'86 Hobie 18, '93 Hobie 14, '80 Hobie 14(restso in progress)
Wind in your sails, water in your shoes, great day!

There's plenty of reasons to buy an FXone. Specta trap lines is one of many Matt!

A-cats have been running Specta for a while for the shrouds and forestay(s). Weight can't really be the issue. Some of the new designs are 15lbs under weight, which is rediculous at 150lbs. Windage?

The sides of my tramp is laced with spectra, and I plan on relacing the back with it because the stretch is so low. After owning a 16 every other tramp seems way too loose.

Tigers probably won't ever get spectra trap lines because it isn't F18 legal. At least right now it isn't.

Good form Mike! Its almost poetic the way you've got that lee bow pushed in.

So what you're standing there, trying to tell me is: you're using rope, instead of wire, for your trap lines. Crazy.

The better to hang you with my dear !

You'd (censored) if you were hung with a new rope

The guys that make me look twice are the ones that use line for standing rigging.

Stephen

Whatever. Now I have heard everything.