Does it really need a cover? I began stripping mine tonight, as well as putting an eye splice in the end. I'm going to lock-stitch this thing for 4-5", but I'm still wondering if it will hold under all that load (cranked in mainsheet)

The more I handle and look at it, I'm wondering why do I really need a cover on it in the first place???

Anyone sail without a cover on their mainsheet?

Mine is mostly not covered. The only cover I use is the length it takes to get to my hand in my normal helm position. That way I have a little softer handle for sheeting.
The core is the strength of the line and it is treated so that it can be used openly in the sun. Stripped, it really runs through the blocks easily.
Of course, I am also using the 8:1 Ratchamatic which is awesome.
Rick

If you followed Samsons instructions it will hold. If it doesn't, use a Brummel splice. It is easy to do.

As Rick said, the cover is mostly for the comfort of your hands. But it also protects the core from the Sun.

If you want more UV protection without the cover, you can add another layer of coating. Yale sells it in many colors.

Cheers,