Jib Sheet Strength Calc

[Cheechako]

for a 40 foot boat I would def go for 1/2". had 5/8" on my 47. When the wind pipes up to 25, 35, 40... you'll be glad....

[roverhi]

forgot to mention, bought a length of 7/16" double braid equal to the total length of the two sheets. Did a Brummel splice at the midpoint on the clew of the 135% roller furling genoa that stays up on passages. No shackles to clonk me on the head and doesn't hang up on anything while tacking. It's permanently attached but not a big thing since this sail is up almost all the time.

[Ziggy]

Originally Posted by roverhi

forgot to mention, bought a length of 7/16" double braid equal to the total length of the two sheets. Did a Brummel splice at the midpoint on the clew of the 135% roller furling genoa that stays up on passages. No shackles to clonk me on the head and doesn't hang up on anything while tacking. It's permanently attached but not a big thing since this sail is up almost all the time.

That's exactly how I attach my genny. Also the storm sail, so the sheets are always attached.

By the way, I learned the no shackles rule the hard way--one opened up while tacking in a gale and the jib got shredded in a matter of seconds!

[unbusted67]

Just out of curiosity why is nylon not an option for sheets? Too stretchy?

[unbusted67]

Also this is very cheap:
Continental Western - Polyester Double Braid Rope

[donradcliffe]

Originally Posted by unbusted67

Just out of curiosity why is nylon not an option for sheets? Too stretchy?

Not only is it way too stretchy, it doesn't hold up as well in the sun as dacron.

[toddedger]

Take a look at Yale PHD spectra single braid. Nice on your hands. Grips winches nicely. Low stretch, and super fast and easy to splice. Reasonably priced for what you get.

Yale Cordage PhD: Single-Braid Splicing is a Breeze | boats.com Blog

[Weyalan]

Unless you are trying to win the Admirals Cup, standard double-braid will be fine. In fact, having a little bit of stretch may look after your sails & deck gear better than a low stretch Dyneema core alternative. As has been pointed out, for a 34" boat, 3/8" is big enough, but 7/16" or even 1/2" will be a lot easier on your hands. Decent double braid should be a fraction of the cost of Dyneema core too.