Thanks for the "Heads-Up" on the splice. What you have pointed out, i.e.
"Brummel splice" instead of the "Chinese finger trap" is news to me. The
main reason I have concern since the finger trap method is what was
recommended by the salesperson that sold me the line.

I will try to find the referenced web site for details on the Brummel
splice method. Once I fully understand this method, I will redo my lifeline
eyesplices.

Chafe on the roller furled pennant should be a problem, but the hanked on
staysail maybe due to frequent ondeck handling.

Thanks for the comments.

Steve
s/v Good Intentions




"renewontime dot com" wrote in message
...
I'm still wondering about some method to seize or hand stitch these
sleeve type eye splices. No mention of this as a problem in the single
braid line. I have not noticed any slippage in my lifelines (although
there is some noted shrinkage in length on hot days (only slight)).

I'm not sure I understand your question entirely. Spectra is an ideal
replacement for wire rope for head sail pennants, although spectra is no
where's near as U/V or abrasion resistant as wire, it is much lighter and,
as you said, much easier to work with.

If you are eye splicing single braid Spectra by just tucking one core into
itself (Chinese finger trap style), then you are not splicing it properly
and your splices are at risk of failure. You -must- first do a "brummel"
splice, where the line entraps itself, then tuck the core. There are
instructions on how to do this on the New England Ropes website (and
probably other sites as well).

Once you've spliced in this manner, sure you can sew the splice, or as
I've done, use a "sailmakers whip". As you sew, be careful not to damage
the threads, sometimes a "dulled" needle works better for this.

Keep in mind, that when switching from wire to Spectra, you need to be
very careful to protect the pennant from chafe. Using a stainless steel
thimble (use a sailmakers thimble, -not- a wire thimble, no sharp edges)
and perhaps covering the thimble with leather will help.

Hope this helps,

--
Paul

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