Anybody Know the size rope on a hobie 18 main halyard? in the hobie catalog it says RHO14WHT X 58'. I know that its 58
feet long but what size diameter?

If I remember correctly it is 3/16

I think the 14 means 1/4".

I would also suggest 3/16". 1/4" may be stock, I don't know. However 3/16" of a no stretch line would be best.

Mike Hill
www.stlouiscats.com

Whats the smaller size going to do for me?

Doug Ramsey

3/16" should run free'er and be cheaper and lighter. Disadvantage is that it may be harder to grip.

Mike Hill
www.stlouiscats.com

If a 3/16 halyard is "too hard to pull" there are other problems.
Usually this is battens are in too tightly, and/or binding on an old sail: I have moved the luff batten end caps forward about 1/4 inch by making new holes for the machine screws. This keeps the cloth luff tape from "wrapping around" the sail track and binding.
Also use McLube spray if the sail track is cleaned first.

The clue word here is "old sail"

3/16" and I would get 61 feet of Marlow prestretch. We have gone as thin as 1/8" spectron 12 but if you compress the mast with a ton of downhaul the halyard can sneak pased the bolt rope and exit the curf.

Drop me a note with any questions.

The smaller line will run more freely. Also, make sure you replace the sheaves in the mast (top and bottom). I found on my 18 that these wear around the axle hole, then they stop spinning, making things real bad. New sheaves, small line, and pointing the boat into the wind...