I noticed when I took the Prindle out yesterday the mainsheet and blocks kept tangling up. I'm planning on buying some new line for my main sheet. I was thinking of using 7/16" New England Regatta line. When I checked it out at West Marine it seemed really subtle and would be easy to hold on to but when I tried to cleat it on my block it seemed to want to pop out of the cleat a little too easy. Anyone ever used this stuff? Other suggestions?
Steve
I prefer 3/8" for a main sheet, it runs a little better through the blocks and I don't notice a huge difference from the 7/16". It's more a personal preference and how long you sail for at a time. If you are out killing it all day the 7/16" may be better for your hands.
In the straight poly lines New England Sta-Set is the gold standard it seems, but is nearly double the price. Many, many sailors rave about the FSE Robline products!
If you are going to step up a bit to a mid level hi tech blend, New England Salsa line seems to be the current favorite. I use VPC myself but it is quite stiff and requires a bit of a break in time.
Everyone, did I miss anything? Anyone have a real favorite that I didn't mention?
Dave Bonin
1981 Nacra 5.2
Some lines > 3/8" will have trouble staying in a cleat just due to their size.
You might need to re-reeve the main sheet though. How was it getting tangled?
Rob
Nacra 5.2
OKC, OK
Most sailors in our club use 5/16, some use 3/8.
Can't go wrong with Sta-Set, comes in lots of colors and most Wests have it in stock. I use Salsa for my Spin sheet. I don't care for it as a main sheet, I want something a little more stiff, the same with the Robline racing sheet.
Ron Beliech
Nacra F-18
Brandon, MS
I just switched to 8mm Robline racing sheet. Also looked at the NE Salsa line, but decided on the Robline.
Scott
Hobie 18M in Chicago
i love my robline!
its soft and doesn't retain water
if you really want it to run fast through the blocks, look at getting a tapered mainsheet from http://www.apsltd.com (call them)
MN3
Thanks guys. I guess the New Englad Regatta isn't such a good line for the main sheet. I actually just washed the old sheet and stretched it out and after it dried I restrung the blocks. Seems to be much better now. I believe the sheet is New England Sta-set from what I can tell but since it was on the boat when I got her who knows? I'll still be looking on replacing the sheet later in the season after the rest of the upgrades I have planned. This thread will be a good reference point. Next up is repainting the top of the hulls and getting a new tramp to install.
Steve