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#1
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"Rodney Myrvaagnes" wrote in message ... On Sat, 22 Jan 2005 08:19:20 -0800, "Steve" All my headsails are full length, so I don't have that to deal with, but I don't see any problem with it. I have been replacing wire halyards with various HI-tech fibers, and started with a spectra core main halyard. I started with a working load the same as the wire, between 4 and 5000 lbs. The line was too thin for the clutches, and, over a 70-ft length under tension, the creep was annoying, making it necessary to tighten under way. I changed up a size, and it works fine. It does still creep perceptibly more than the SS did. It is barely large enough to hold onto when hoisting, and 3/8 or 7/16 would be easier on the hands. For a pennant, only a few feet, you can make it thick and creep won't be noticeable. It wouldn't be noticeable even in 1/4 in line. Rodney's points are well taken, regarding the relative small size of Spectra/Technora for halyards. I have been considering replacing mine but I use clutches with a minimum line size of 5/16". While Technora is available in 5/16", 13000 lb working strength would be over kill. I was wonder if the 1/4" Spectra/Technora could be increase in the area normally under the clutch by inserting a section of 1/4" as a core or a cover, seized or using some splicing tricks. I also observed that the Samthane UV coating of this line is rather slick and wonder if a clutch would be able to grip it without abrading the coating. Just thinking out loud. Steve s/v Good Intentions |
#2
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I was wonder if the 1/4" Spectra/Technora could be increase in the area
normally under the clutch by inserting a section of 1/4" as a core or a cover, seized or using some splicing tricks. I also observed that the Samthane UV coating of this line is rather slick and wonder if a clutch would be able to grip it without abrading the coating. I do not recommend taking single braid Spectra/Technora all the way to the winch and clutches without a cover. On race boats, we normally started the dacron cover a few feet before the bottom turning blocks at the base of the mast (when the sail is fully hoisted). On cruising yachts, where wear / UV protection is more important than saving a few pounds, I would cover the entire length of the line. Obviously then, the way to go on a cruising yacht is to buy double braid with a Spectra/Technora core and a dacron cover. I also would caution you from adding a core to a single braided line. This is a very bad idea, and will weaken the line and increase it's chances of wear and chafe. Also, as you noted, the coating on the line (which protects it from UV) is slippery and was never intended for rope clutches or winches. Something else to consider when switching from wire rope to high-tech line are your turning blocks and masthead sheaves. Often when switching, the sheave diameters are too small and / or the sheaves have been damaged by the wire. If the sheaves show any sign of wear at all or if the new line seems to be a "tight" fit, replace the sheaves. It'll save you from a trip up the mast later, usually at the worst possible moment ;-) -- Paul =-----------------------------------= renewontime dot com FREE email reminder service for licensed mariners http://www.renewontime.com =-----------------------------------= |
#3
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Steve, I used Samson Warpspeed for my main halyard. It is a polyester cover
over a core of Dyneema, which I think is the same as Spectra. I fattened the line where the clutch engages by inserting a small tapered "snake" inside the core. Regardless, polyester covers everything. "Steve" wrote in message ... Rodney's points are well taken, regarding the relative small size of Spectra/Technora for halyards. I have been considering replacing mine but I use clutches with a minimum line size of 5/16". While Technora is available in 5/16", 13000 lb working strength would be over kill. I was wonder if the 1/4" Spectra/Technora could be increase in the area normally under the clutch by inserting a section of 1/4" as a core or a cover, seized or using some splicing tricks. I also observed that the Samthane UV coating of this line is rather slick and wonder if a clutch would be able to grip it without abrading the coating. Just thinking out loud. Steve s/v Good Intentions |
#4
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On Sun, 23 Jan 2005 10:02:20 -0500, "Garland Gray II"
wrote: I fattened the line where the clutch engages by inserting a small tapered "snake" inside the core. ================================= That's an interesting approach, good idea. |
#5
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Steve wrote:
I was wonder if the 1/4" Spectra/Technora could be increase in the area normally under the clutch by inserting a section of 1/4" as a core or a cover, seized or using some splicing tricks. Steve s/v Good Intentions That's a pretty common thing for a rigger to do to increase the diameter. Clutches hold better on larger diameter rope, even of the same model clutch. Look at Spinlocks web site for details of this (and their recommendations for sleeving rope) Evan Gatehouse |
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