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National One-design Cruiser/Racer

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Running Rigging Spec

24th March 2011

Alec Fraser

24th March 2011 at 2:54 PM

Can anyone confirm the standard running rigging diameters and lengths please? Cruising rather than racing spec.

My measurement on the mast using a tape measure was 10mm for main and jib halyards and 8mm for the spinnaker uphaul and downhaul. The braid-on-braid main and jib halyards I ordered as 10mm have turned up looking more like between 11 and 12mm and just about suitable as docklines (although, to be fair, I haven’t put a caliper gauge on them). Do they stretch and thin out a bit when first used?

It’s looking like my mast will be stepped before I can get replacements, if that is what is necessary. Is it possible to replace with the mast up? Any suggestions on approach greatly appreciated.

Many thanks

Alec

Robert Davis

25th March 2011 at 1:17 PM

We use 6mm dynema for all our halyards and they are fine. The ropes run better than the thicker halyards that we took off the boat.

Is not massively expensive. I use Liros Racing Dynema from UK Rigging

My link

that costs £29 for each 20 metre rope.

The only downside is that you will probably have to change your clutches. I would recommend the Spinlock clutches. Ours have worked well for 2 seasons and when they do wear out new bits are avilable for a small amount of money rather than buying whole new clutches.

Bob

Alec Fraser

27th March 2011 at 2:52 PM

Much appreciated Bob

As the boat was going in the water today I ran in the 10mm halyards last night. While they look a bit chunky, they seem to run ok. My main concern is that the splice might foul and prevent me getting enough tension on the luff

In case it is of help to anyone in future, I sewed the new and old halyards together. Three double thread stiches using heavy waxed thread made a good strong connection and I taped the join to help it run smoothly. Remarkably quick and straightforward, though I was glad when the new end was through!

I also found a note of the running rigging lengths that the former owner had left for me – thanks Martin:

Mainsail halyard: 20.5m

Jib halyard: 17.5m

Spinnaker halyard: 17.0m

Uphaul: 10.5m

Putting the old halyards through the washing machine (in an old pillowcase held shut with a cable tie)showed up the faults. I’m going to be able to recycle enough from the old mainsail halyard to replace my very furry spinnaker halyard.

Alec

Filed Under: Archives, Forum Archive, IPB Archive

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