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Halyard Sizes

As a new owner, I plan to replace halyards and (missing) reefing lines. Looking for recommendations on size (7/16 vs 1/2" diameter and lengths?) and materials (Spectra, etc.). Thanks in advance.
 
1/2 is too big for sure. For halyards 7/16 is about right for typical double braid and is what I have now. When I replace, will will go with something hi-tech(spectra or dyneema) , and smaller, probably 3/8. With hi-tech lines you have plenty of strength, you want it large enough to be comfortable in your hand.

My reef lines are 3/8 now, and with hi-tech I would probably stay that size, only because it's too hard to handle line smaller than 3/8.
 
Thanks Warren, I am glad to think 1/2" is too big as I am finding lots of options for 7/16" with Spectra for reasonable costs and the 1/2" halyards are much more (per foot and come in longer lengths for premade halyards). I really appreciate this forum as I get started with this new-to-me vessel.
 
I would not even consider 5/16 if using spectra. 1/4" would be strong enough, it is all about being large enough to handle.
 
I had to replace my two head sail halyards last year. Reason, mice found their way into my mast, not at the base which I cover but through the sheves at the top of the mast. The mast was obviously out of the boat. I replaced both with Dynema ropes from R&W ropes in New Bedford Massachusetts. both are 5/16 for the ability to easily handle it, not for its strength, as Warren says 1/4 inch would be strong enough. I would suggest checking with R&W for a price when you make your selections. They have amazing prices and do ropes for all imaginable applications. Will do splices And mount shackles supplied by you or bought from them. I have no interest in R&W, simply enjoy doing business with them.
interesting aside my halyards are New England ropes. That company was founded by Herb Repass the father of Randy the founder of West Marine.
 
Saw on scuttlebutt today that West Marine has just been sold to one of those Venture-capital units. Don’t remember which one.
 
L Catterton, pretty large with lots of brands.

I don't understand why so many people have hatred toward West Marine. I really like that there is a brick and mortar WM in nearly every port in the US (certainly on the West Coast) that stocks anything I would need in an emergency without needing to order it. When I am in the middle of a job and something unexpected comes up, it's valuable to be able to just go down the street to WM, over ordering the part online, or even from a small chandlery. IMHO anyone who has bad things to say about West Marine but instead buys boating things on Amazon has some priorities mixed up. If West Marine were to go away, it would make working on boats a whole lot harder.

Who knows what will happen. I expect growth, but less focus on boats/maintenance/parts. I could see it becoming a more generic outdoor store, with some boat stuff, which would be a real shame.

I guess relevant to this thread because WM started out as West Coast Ropes?
 
Warren

I began ordering from Randy when he worked out of his garage as West Coast Ropes. Great deals on name brand stuff and good discounts. Then it became company who's only interest was to put the independent marine dealers out of business. Then it became a company of cheap China knock-offs that charged above MSRP for name brands. Then it became a company that was run by Harvard type business people who had little in tune with boaters. I am very lucky to have two separate independent retailers in my area that I can and do rely on for my boat stuff. How many areas of the Country can still say that? What will happen when the new Vulture-Capitalist mob fails and turns it into a sportswear outlet?

Jim
 
Warren and Jim, both valid points, I have also purchased from them since the beginning. And, have seen the company morph drastically. Let's hope it doesn't end up like Land's End. An incredible yachting resource that ended up selling overpriced clothing.
Mitchell
 
Warren, you are correct in that I should’ve introduced a new link to discuss West Marine. Just as you’re seeing here there are people who disagreed on both sides of the matter. Frankly I didn’t want to open those two discussions because I know there would be favorable arguments on both sides. I agree with both you and Jim. Herb & Peggy Repass were members of our yacht club here in Marion, the Beverly Yacht Club, both have passed and were wonderful people and a pleasure to be with, I only met Randy a couple of times and really have no comments either way. I am sorry I introduced this relationship to this conversation but felt it was better being here with rope discussions posting, than a new thread. As you can see it is drawing reactions that I don’t feel are necessary to the Morgan 38 page.
 
Ultimately, it is what it is. It will be a shame if West Marine turns into yet another outdoor company, but if it does, we will all survive.
 
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