rigging query

[AndyRothwell]

I'm trying to find out the correct spec for replacing some of the running rigging. I have an older Dart 15 with really grim mainsheet, jibsheet and mainsail halyard. The latter two are really thick - way thicker than on the other Darts/Sprints I've seen. Can anyone help me please with suggestions of the correct spec (length, weight of rope) for.........

mainsheet, jib sheet, main halyard, jib halyard, cunningham, and the small rope on the traveller........

I am assuming all are pre-stretched in each case. I've looked and looked on the Word Wide Web to no avail!

Many thanks

Andy Rothwell

[Robert]

Hi Andy

My boat had really thick sheets on when I bought it last year and they were a right pain, making it difficult for the ropes to run out easily. Like you I didn't really know what to get but settled for a "race-lite" mainsheet from Windsport, with a new traveller line as well.

When it came to jib sheets I rang up Steve Sawford at SS Marine and he made me up a nice set with a strop and shackle at a very reasonable price.

I think I ended up with a 9mm diameter mainsheet and a 7mm diameter jibsheet. Opinions vary about these measurements but I didn't want to go too thin to start with and I'm happy with the result.

Both Windsport and Steve Sawford websites can be accessed from the "Suppliers" section on the main menu, but you might also be able to find some useful information from the Shanklin Sailing Club Website http://www.shanklinsailingclub.com/ (click on <Sailing>, then <Hints>)

I hope you find what you want!

Robert

[Charles]

Andy

I'm sure Robert's mainsheet is actually 9.5mm, as that's the min under original parts list which I don't think there is a soft copy of in existance any more! Length between 6 & 11m, your choice.

For Jibsheets you can look in the class rules (link on the home page) Section 10 replacement parts. You can go down to 3mm sheets & any block you like, I've also removed my carbine hook as it was so big & heavy. Length 7.7 to 10.3m

Go for shiney 8 plait on main, traveller, jib & cunningham (unles you've got even softer office hands than me), as the furry stuff doesn't run well. Main halyard 3 plait will do as it's cheaper & not under tension when sailing. Jib halyard is wire strop, the piece of string to haul with can be any old piece of tatt as you leave it ashore anyway.

Go for the new cunningham arrangement while you're at it, it's tons better.

Charles.

[AndyRothwell]

Many thanks chaps........wil be replacing the main halyard this am....have gone for 9mm on the mainsheet!
AR

[AndyRothwell]

Hi everyone just to close this one, thanks for the excellent advice, also to Ray, George, Simon, Mike at CSC, tried the new ropes yesterday, total transformation, still a few jobs to do (traveller, jibsheet) but we're getting there!

Thanks once again.

AR