Nacra 5.0 Jib Halyard Line

I use 21' of 3.8mm Spyder line for my '84 5.7. That is only the portion from the head of the jib, around the block at the top, down the forestay to the drum, & enough to grab & tension. It doesn't need to be that strong, but I find it easier to grab, & it fits the clam cleat well that I use with roller furling. I think your mast is a little shorter, so the hound should be a wee bit lower, 20-21' sounbds right. If you are buying expensive line, I would tip the boat & measure...why buy an extra foot youy willnever use?
For your main you can also use a thin line, the line doesn't hold any tension once the main is up, it is held by the "fork" or "hook" near the mast head. A thicker linbe is easier to haul on, your choice.

Stock, a Nacra 5.0 uses 28ft of 3/16" line for the main halyard. Stretchiness is a factor but if you get a good low stretch poly (Sta-set) you will be fine. It only becomes a factor when you go to home depot and buy thier stock rope. You will find youself stretching that stuff almost double its length if it gets wet. Bigger diameter is better to haul on, it is easier on the hands. I use 1/8" dyneema, but I wear gloves all the time and it is REALLY thin 3/32" would be rediculous. I think the wire rope on your halyard is about that thick.

Regards,
Dave

Edited by Wolfman on Aug 26, 2011 - 06:32 PM.

Stock, a Nacra 5.0 uses 28ft of 3/16" line for the main halyard.

I think he is looking for the jib halyard length, no?

Oops, you are correct. Then it is 22ft of 3/16". For the jib you can also get away with a thinner line than the main, you don't have to apply as much force to it.

Thanks, I went with about 17' of 1/4" Sta-Set line for the jib halyard. It's long enough to reach the cleat without having 5' left over when it's on the trailer and thin enough that it cleats easily and securely! Thanks again for the assist.