OK, after falling off the splicing learning curve and running out of
rope and patience, I'm giving up on the Sta-Set X for Genoa sheets.
Another forum turns up a very poor opinion of the X rope for this
purpose.

I've got a chance to do it right this time so I'm curious what other
sailors prefer.

I'd really like to find out that New England Ropes 7/16" Regatta
single braid would make great jib sheets for a cruising boat because
of the price. OTOH with the tired old double braid "God-knows-what"
that came with the boat, I'm always having to uncleat and take a
couple of short pumps with the winch to get the jib flat again. I'd
like to avoid that.

I short tack and single hand a lot, steering with my hips as I handle
the sheets, so I need very good handling characteristics.

Recommendations for a 32 foot boat and 130% Genoa appreciated.

--

Roger Long

That'a a tough one, Roger. Minimal stretch Sta-Set-X is a challenge to
splice. I've done 6 or 7 such splices for line currently on my boat,
and easily spent 3 times more effort on splicing it than on any other
two piece line I've done. But, it's the difficult core in splicing
that minimizes stretch, as you know. (If you happen to be using a
Unifid instead of a full fid kit, you might give the real thing a try.
Use some rigger's tape on the end of the core to help get it started,
and thin out the core some if necessary to allow it to bury fully.
There's quite a difference in using the right tools.) The other
downside is that it's not as easy on the hands as other more 'elastic'
types that do stretch once they load up. It'll be interesting to see
if you find a line that does both. My thought is to just use the
Sta-Set-X and a bowline to secure the sheet. True, the knots can
hangup occasionally when coming about, but, it beats having to alway
grind in the last 6 inches every tack - tough on the lower back. Make
up for it by whipping the line ends in a very marlinspike manner.

Sounds like regular Sta-Set might be the reasonable compromise.

I'm thinking now I'll probably take your advice and try the Sta-Set X
with bowlines. I can always switch back quickly to my old sheets if I
find it too hard to handle. I'll then have a good idea of the
stiffness vs stretch spectrum.

Do you think giving it a run through the washing machine without
detergent might make it a little more user friendly?

--

Roger Long

On Mon, 03 Apr 2006 18:16:19 GMT, "Roger Long"
wrote:

Sounds like regular Sta-Set might be the reasonable compromise.

If you really want low stretch, have a rigger make up some Spectra
sheets for you. We were using Spectra spinnaker guys on my old
Cal-34 and it was really great stuff albeit a little pricey.

Probably couldn't hurt to try a run through the washing machine. I
think the stiffness is related to the core, however, and don't hold out
much hope that it'll make much difference. You may want to relegate
this line to backstay or topping lift use if it doesn't do the trick
for jib sheets.

I use Sta-Set for sheets and Sta-Set-X for halyards. Works well for me.

I use a Brion Toss splicing wand and follow the directions for Sta-Set-X in
his small booklet. I have found it very easy to splice an eye in Sta-Set-X
following his instructions. Even easier than double-braid Sta-Set. The same
booklet includes instructions for doing double-braid eyes and other rope
work.

Rusty

"PrefersOffshore" wrote in message
ups.com...
That'a a tough one, Roger. Minimal stretch Sta-Set-X is a challenge to
splice. I've done 6 or 7 such splices for line currently on my boat,
and easily spent 3 times more effort on splicing it than on any other
two piece line I've done. But, it's the difficult core in splicing
that minimizes stretch, as you know. (If you happen to be using a
Unifid instead of a full fid kit, you might give the real thing a try.
Use some rigger's tape on the end of the core to help get it started,
and thin out the core some if necessary to allow it to bury fully.
There's quite a difference in using the right tools.) The other
downside is that it's not as easy on the hands as other more 'elastic'
types that do stretch once they load up. It'll be interesting to see
if you find a line that does both. My thought is to just use the
Sta-Set-X and a bowline to secure the sheet. True, the knots can
hangup occasionally when coming about, but, it beats having to alway
grind in the last 6 inches every tack - tough on the lower back. Make
up for it by whipping the line ends in a very marlinspike manner.