Hi, the jib and mainsheet on my Hobie 16 needs to be replaced. With the jib sheet it is an easy deal - 32 feet of 5/16. With the main it seems to be more complicated... a lot of confusing info here. The boat was equipped with a Harken 6:1 system (block diameter is 2.25 inches or 56 mm). The current mainsheet diameter is too big (looks like 1/2 or more) and causes a lot of friction. There is a website out there that lists all line length and diameters (e.g. main sheet: 44 feet and 7/16). At the same time this web site does not specify the type of sheeting system this line is supposed to be combined with. While reading about the recommendations that Harken provides for the type of pulley I am using it looks like a line with a diameter of 3/8 is supposed to be used. Than again 3/8 feels somehow skinny – not so much in terms of strength – more how it would feel in my hands. Please let me know what size of sheets you are using on your main (please state the type/diameter of your blocks or sheeting system). Also let me know what you think about Samson Trophy as a line to be used for my purposes (jib and mainsheet).

Thanks,

I don't have an answer for you, -but I am waiting for an answer from the guy that uses plastic coke bottle tops as a substitute for teflon chips. He should have some interesting suggestions! (Hopefully not a criminal act, such as stealing flag pole ropes.)

This is what has worked for me in the past.

5/16" for the main and 1/4" for the jib, 3/16" prestretch for the tramp lacing and trapeze lines. And there are lots of colors to choose from. The current lines are too big!!

Happy sailing!!

Bob

Hi,
mainsheet 10mm and 10 metres,
jibsheet 8-10mm and also 10 metres.
Esp. the jib should be prestreched the main does not need to be.

Fritz

Hi Fritz,
You are right, the 2.25" Harken blocks look like they are made for 10mm main sheets (this is the exact inner width of the pulleys). Here is the dilemma... 3/8 is 9.3 mm and 7/16 is 10.9 mm. I cannot find any thing in between. Right now I am leaning more towards 3/8 for the main sheet. 10 meters in length somehow does not seem to be enough for a 6:1 sheeting system.

Hobie USA does/did supply Dacron 3/8" jib and 7/16" main for sheets. I am using Yale Light 1/4" jib and 3/8" main and have been very happy. I use the factory lengths of 44' main (about right) and 32' jib (may want to go a little longer).

If you have questions about Sampson, Yale or any other line, call Layline in Raleigh, NC (also on the web). They are good folks and extremely knowledgable about line and rigging.

... for Dacron and prestreched is Rick's on-line store here at Catsailor. Don't want to forget our patient hosts!

Layline has been extremely good when dealing on rigging for me. They have sent me numerous rope samples for free... no shipping charge.

I recommend Samson Ultralite for jib sheets. Much lighter weight and fairly cheap. Mainsheet everyone has their own fav. Most just use the spun dacron stuff because it is easy to grip even in smaller diameters.

apsltd.com
layline.com

Thanks for all the help...

I ordered 32 feet of 5/16 for the jib and 44 feet of 3/8 for the 6:1 Harken mainsheet system. All lines are Samson Trophy. I sailed the boat this weekend - and everything worked well.

Thanks again!!!