Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.
Well, I got a good year out of my mainsheet but knew when I bought RSII that I would need to change it out. What I have now appears to be a Samson Trophy (double) Braid - blue. I'm just guessing at this as the PO only had the boat a few years and didn't do any line changes he could inform me about. My web searches come back to me as this brand line has a "fluffy" feel.
I'm definitely a cruiser and enjoy the feel of a soft line. In searching for the replacement, all I can find is Trophy Braid. Is there another manufacturer who makes this type of line (soft feel) too? I'm a shopper and like to see my choices before I settle. Thanks, y'all!
I still use the original Catalina sheets which are the 7/16+ single braid. They are still in good shape. I store the excess coil in the locker and do keep the bimini up at the dock. The sun has to be the most harmful as the jib sheets are coiled and stored in the sail bags when moored.
The downside with Regatta Braid compared to Trophy Braid is that Regatta Braid can easily snag on things.
Similar lines to Regatta Braid (but more expensive because they are low stretch) are Salsa Braid and Samson Control DPX. Yale PhD is in between these lines price and performance wise.
Yale's double braid also has a softer cover like Trophy Braid.
Trophy Braid is a good mainsheet. It should run free through the blocks unless you are putting the maximum size allowed through the blocks. Downsize from 7/16" to 3/8" (a good size for a Catalina 25) and it will run freely.
The downside with Regatta Braid compared to Trophy Braid is that Regatta Braid can easily snag on things.
Similar lines to Regatta Braid (but more expensive because they are low stretch) are Salsa Braid and Samson Control DPX. Yale PhD is in between these lines price and performance wise.
Yale's double braid also has a softer cover like Trophy Braid.
Trophy Braid is a good mainsheet. It should run free through the blocks unless you are putting the maximum size allowed through the blocks. Downsize from 7/16" to 3/8" (a good size for a Catalina 25) and it will run freely.
Thanks Alex for your detailed information. I believe I have 3/8 already running through block system. I need to slice off an end and measure it but I believe it's 3/8.
Get the $39.90 block (model 030) for the boom end, and either the $102.40 (model 042) or $83.95 (model 038) blocks for the traveler end. The model 042 has a ratchet, which is a nice feature when sailing in heavier winds.
Note that block 030 includes a becket that you won't need and will have to ignore. You can cut it off if it really bothers you.
These are nicer blocks than Garhauer at cheaper prices. Compared to Garhauer you get a ratchet and the angle of the cam cleat can be adjusted for the geometry of your mainsheet.
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ. The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.