My jib halyard broke due to a kink in the wire. I was thinking about replacing the wire with some good small rope. Anyone see anything wrong with that? Anyone have a idea of what size rope would work best?
Doug Ramsey
#4383
hobie 18
I think unless your using something like Vectran your going to have trouble keeping the jib luff properly tensioned.
Just go to West Marine or your local supply store and make one up yourself. It's easy and cheap. 
Have Fun
Mike
just make sure you tighten up the swaging machine before you do it 
It will end up costing you more using vectran/dyneem/spectra based ropes. I would just make a new wire.
Oh yeah, don't be like me and forget to put the main block on the wire before you swage the ends
Just spend the couple of dollars for the pre-made stainless ones. No need to screw around and get cheap on rigging gear.
I agree that it's not cost effective to manufacture your own. I think line would work though. The jib halyard is never supposed to take load off the forestay. It just keep the wrinkles out of the leading edge.
I bought a spare to have in my parts bag. Not too expensive and I figure I'll need it eventually anyway.
I have one complaint with this product. The swaged (sp?) on shackle pin is not a "keeper" pin. The swaged loop is small enough that you can't get the shackle out to replace it. You have to buy a new setup or cut the wire, replace the shackle and reswage. I know it sounds petty but this drives me nuts! It's such a small pin. One day it's going to slip while standing on the bow with cold wet fingers... 
Todd
TheMightyHobie18, MN