New Mainsheet - 1/2 or 7/16?

[dmksails]

I'm replacing the mainsheet on my 31-ft Tashiba. It currently has 1/2 line, but I'm pretty sure the mainsheet blocks are rated for 7/16 max.

Is there any compelling reason to keep with the 1/2 line?

[roverhi]

7/16" is easy on the hands, way more than strong enough, and will have a smaller pile of sheet bitter end. Changed out mainsheet and jib sheets to 7/16" on my 35' boat and have been smiling ever since.

[Benz]

I use 7/16" Regatta Braid on my CG 31. Nicest yacht rope for my purposes: affordable, stays soft, good hand, splices easy. M blocks are for 1/2", so the extra room is nice.

[Sailmonkey]

we use 3/8" line as the mainsheet on our Allied Seawind II. I'd choke on 1/2".....

[hlev00]

Does the 1/2" work for you now? If so, I'd be inclined to stay with the same. If there is binding or other issues, go down to the 7/16. If you can stop by a West Marine or other retailer with similar braids in the two sizes it might help you with the decision too. I went down from 1/2" to 7/16" on my genoa sheets. Everything was rated fine and winches work fine, but that extra 1/16 makes it harder to grip. I wish I'd stayed with 1/2".


Harry

[NightSky46]

A potential caution: For my new outhaul I went down from a 1/2" to 7/16" and the now the rope clutch slips when before it did not. Clutch is a Spinlock 8mm - 14mm and you'd think it would be ok so it may be the line is new and slippery

[Cheechako]

1/2" Easier on the HANDS.

[juanmauri]

I personally like to keep my mainsheet at 3/8" and go with a stronger line as if it runs better if I need to perform a quick release. Changing from a 1/2 polyester double-braid to a 3/8" Dyneema SK38 w/ polyester cover will provide you with the increased SWL increase needed.

If you would like to stay with the 1/2" line, then a good polyester double-braid one is the Cruiser XTS.

The other point of consideration would be the rope clutch size as a smaller diameter may be too small, but that is always easy to find as rope clutches go from 6 to 10 mm, or 8 to 12 mm, or 10 to 14 mm.

Links to Cruising Mainsheet options:
DX Performance Cruise
Cruiser XTS

Set up: A nice eye splice and end whipping finish are always useful.

[Jim Cate]

We've used 10 mm line for the mainsheet for many years now. Yes, it is less comfy on the hands when pulling hard, but really that just means switching to a winch a bit sooner. And furthermore, since there is significantly less friction loss with the smaller line, one does not need to pull really hard as often!

But the real gain is in light airs, where friction in the mainsheet often will keep the boom from easing readily.

Jim