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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Source for 1/4" - 5/16" line?

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delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/24/2012 : 12:43:34

When we set sail last Saturday, I had problems raising my main which came down to my reefing lines being just slightly too short. Enough that I had to release my clutches and let them run forward of the clutches so the main would go all the way up. This is my own damn fault, I miscalculated the length necessary and bought some fairly nice line to screw it up with. Now I just want to replace it with cheap nylon single braid or three strand (either is fine) so I don't have to go through that again.

One of the things that really annoys Rita is when I have to make some sort of correction to our rig or something else that should already be working (I can't really blame her, but it's just part of the adventure to me, but really detracts for her). I could probably squeeze a few feet out of each reefing line, but I'd rather just install lines that are 10' longer or so and be done with it.

I'm tempted to just purchase a 600' roll, but I don't need anywhere near that amount.

David
C-250 Mainsheet Editor

Sirius Lepak
1997 C-250 WK TR #271 --Seattle area Port Captain --

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redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3476 Posts

Response Posted - 04/24/2012 : 12:56:21

<< my reefing lines being just slightly too short >>

Calm down and buy some new reefing lines. How long were the other lines?

Cordage is everywhere... What color this time?

You can always use that extra line for other lines you will need coming up from time to time.

Also .. like you said.. you can use just about anything for reefing line.

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delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 04/24/2012 : 13:59:04

I remember calculating the length of the lines, but I can't find the calculation anywhere. I'll probably have to go back down to the boat to remeasure. I remember thinking that I needed high-tech-ish line for the reefing lines, but for the life of me can't remember why. Maybe I published the lengths in here, I'll search the archives and see. That'd save me a trip.

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dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 04/24/2012 : 14:20:10

I have become a fan of NovaTech XLE line, available on Ebay. 100 ft. of 5/16" is $48 and 1/4" is $30 I think, but check to be sure. It is supposed to be the equivalent of Samson XLS. Perfect for halyards and other low-stretch control lines, and it is easy on the hands.
As halyards, it goes through the masthead sheaves much easier and faster than Sta-SetX and it is a lot more flexible.
Also, you have a choice of colors.

Edited by - dmpilc on 04/24/2012 14:22:21

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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4382 Posts

Response Posted - 04/24/2012 : 15:46:07

I just ordered line from Defender Industries last evening - check out Jamestown Distributors too

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TakeFive
Master Marine Consultant

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2272 Posts

Response Posted - 04/24/2012 : 20:40:48

I've redone my halyards and jib sheets with the Novatech XLE. I'll do the other sheets later. I haven't actually used it yet, but it seems very nice. The guy on ebay give very good, fast service. However, I don't thing he does eye splices, though you wouldn't need that for reefing. I just did bowlines for my halyards instead of eye splices.

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delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 04/24/2012 : 22:02:27

Rick,
Do you remember the name of the Ebay guy? I can do my own eye splices if I need them. I actually enjoy doing them, but you're right, no need for the reefing lines.

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3441 Posts

Response Posted - 04/25/2012 : 03:37:02

EBay route seems like it will be cheaper than my suggestion. Anyway, when I replaced my halyards and earlier same goes for my main and genoa sheets, I purchased over the internet with Defender (which is located in Dave Bristle's neighborhood). Defender was less expensive than West Marine and sometimes in addition to regular pricing may have a sale going on now and then on some of their lines.

I went with Sampson XLS Extra T (I think that's what they called it) for the sheets and for whatever reason for the Jib/Genoa halyard, though, I never use that line since I have a roller furling setup that does not use that halyard. For the main halyard, I went with Sampson Warpspeed. Both these lines are very low stretch. The Warpspeed, though, is costly and even lower stretch compared to the XLS Extra T. The Warpspeed is probably an overkill but I went with it anyway. The Sampson XLS Extra T is an overall very good line for all sheets and halyards - Very low stretch compared to many other lines, wears well thru the years and is easy to handle for all purposes.

I decided to not go with eye splices, etc. My experience has been that just doing up the ends with a bowline, etc on the shackle end, it will hold fine and if in the future ever want to freshen the attachment, you can always cut the end off and redo it but that may not even be necessary since there is very little chafing even after several or more years.

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TakeFive
Master Marine Consultant

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2272 Posts

Response Posted - 04/25/2012 : 05:50:34

I think the same guy sells all of these:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=novatech+xle&_sacat=0&_odkw=sta-set&_osacat=0&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313

He'll do custom lengths for the same price per foot. Just send him a message through the ebay system.

Edited by - TakeFive on 04/25/2012 05:51:25

awetmore
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1144 Posts

Response Posted - 04/25/2012 : 08:58:42

I just ordered about 100' of 1/4" line from him for my reefing lines, topping lift, and other control lines that I want to run back to the cockpit. The price is hard to beat, I'll see how it compares to the Samson XLS Extra that I use for halyards and sheets.

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OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 04/25/2012 : 10:03:33

Great find! Thanks for sharing.

I wonder what would happen to his insurance rates if he did get into splicing . . . still a nice niche he has going there.

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JimGo
Admiral

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USA
962 Posts

Response Posted - 04/25/2012 : 11:48:41

This is who I used: http://www.milwaukeerigging.com/

He also has an eBay site. I think someone here pointed me to the eBay site a few months ago.

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redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3476 Posts

Response Posted - 04/27/2012 : 09:57:18

http://www.miamicordage.com/

Quoted me Nylon double braid 5/16 at 100 feet at $52 plus tx and shipping.

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dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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4593 Posts

Response Posted - 04/27/2012 : 11:02:46

Jim, that could have been me. I've used milwaukeerigging in the past quite a bit. My Sta-SetX halyards came from them. Also nice people to work with. however, I had trouble raising the headsails with the Sta-SetX line. It was just too stiff.

Rick, that is the same guy I was referring to, Discount Rope and Line. He's also a good source for dock lines!

Ray, The 5/16" NovaTech XLE on Ebay is $48 per 100 ft. with free shipping in the U.S. The guy who bought my C-25 changed to this line and I'm using it for halyards on my C-22 and loving it.

Edited by - dmpilc on 04/27/2012 11:10:37

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 04/27/2012 : 11:22:22

We're doing the tourist thing in downtown Seattle today, so I'll get a chance to run by the boat and take measurements. I think I might be able to re-use my upper reefing line as the lower reefing line, and then just re-purpose the lower line. Hopefully. If I have it backward in my head, I'll have to replace both lines. We'll see. If Rita & her friend will put up with it, I'll run by Fisheries to see if they've got any deals going on offcuts of line. If I have just one working reef, that should be OK. I've never had to use my second reef yet, and going into summer, I shouldn't any time soon.

The guy on eBay seems to have pretty good prices on halyards, I've been thinking about replacing at least my main & jib, it's not like I've ever used my spin halyard for it's designed use. We do use it if it's nasty out and one of us is on the foredeck. Just clip it into your harness, and you can't fall overboard, at least not into the water. You might go for an exciting ride dangling from the halyard, but you're unlikely to go swimming as well.

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