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Best line for mainsheet?

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(@steveon)
Posts: 36
Member
Topic starter
 
[#1288]

I noticed when I took the Prindle out yesterday the mainsheet and blocks kept tangling up. I'm planning on buying some new line for my main sheet. I was thinking of using 7/16" New England Regatta line. When I checked it out at West Marine it seemed really subtle and would be easy to hold on to but when I tried to cleat it on my block it seemed to want to pop out of the cleat a little too easy. Anyone ever used this stuff? Other suggestions?
Steve


 
Posted : June 2, 2010 3:19 pm
David Bonin
(@wolfman)
Posts: 1555
Member
 

I prefer 3/8" for a main sheet, it runs a little better through the blocks and I don't notice a huge difference from the 7/16". It's more a personal preference and how long you sail for at a time. If you are out killing it all day the 7/16" may be better for your hands.

In the straight poly lines New England Sta-Set is the gold standard it seems, but is nearly double the price. Many, many sailors rave about the FSE Robline products!

If you are going to step up a bit to a mid level hi tech blend, New England Salsa line seems to be the current favorite. I use VPC myself but it is quite stiff and requires a bit of a break in time.

Everyone, did I miss anything? Anyone have a real favorite that I didn't mention?


 
Posted : June 2, 2010 4:02 pm
yurdle
(@yurdle)
Posts: 800
Chief Registered
 

Some lines > 3/8" will have trouble staying in a cleat just due to their size.

You might need to re-reeve the main sheet though. How was it getting tangled?


 
Posted : June 2, 2010 4:38 pm
Ron
 Ron
(@nacra55)
Posts: 627
Chief Registered
 

Most sailors in our club use 5/16, some use 3/8.
Can't go wrong with Sta-Set, comes in lots of colors and most Wests have it in stock. I use Salsa for my Spin sheet. I don't care for it as a main sheet, I want something a little more stiff, the same with the Robline racing sheet.


 
Posted : June 2, 2010 5:10 pm
Scott Finley
(@smfinley)
Posts: 710
Chief Registered
 

I just switched to 8mm Robline racing sheet. Also looked at the NE Salsa line, but decided on the Robline.


 
Posted : June 3, 2010 2:32 am
MN3
 MN3
(@mn3)
Posts: 7090
Member
 

i love my robline!
its soft and doesn't retain water

if you really want it to run fast through the blocks, look at getting a tapered mainsheet from http://www.apsltd.com (call them)


 
Posted : June 3, 2010 2:56 am
(@steveon)
Posts: 36
Member
Topic starter
 

Thanks guys. I guess the New Englad Regatta isn't such a good line for the main sheet. I actually just washed the old sheet and stretched it out and after it dried I restrung the blocks. Seems to be much better now. I believe the sheet is New England Sta-set from what I can tell but since it was on the boat when I got her who knows? I'll still be looking on replacing the sheet later in the season after the rest of the upgrades I have planned. This thread will be a good reference point. Next up is repainting the top of the hulls and getting a new tramp to install.
Steve


 
Posted : June 3, 2010 3:36 pm
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