Downeaster Yachts.com - Topic: sheet size

Scott Carle on sheet size

Wed, 25 Jun 2014 09:03:13 -0400

lol... sorry... I just went back and read and you did ask running rigging... and I answered with standing rigging...... reading and answering posts way to late at night. 🙂

just off the top of my head our sheets are around 1/2 inch for the jib. Stay sail is about 3/8. Main sheet used to be half inch but I am trying 3/8 with new setup and high tech line. Roller furling 5/16 maybe? maybe a bit larger.

Most of it is sized to comfortable handling.

Rick on sheet size

Tue, 24 Jun 2014 22:43:15 -0400

I think you're speaking of standing rigging I believe; wire size. How about your running rigging; the sheet size. I'm pretty sure that Erick said he got a roll of 7/16 but how about Valkyr? Low stretch fancy stuff or less expensive?

Scott Carle on sheet size

Tue, 24 Jun 2014 22:38:23 -0400

no worries 🙂

I just re-did valkry two years ago I think 🙂 lol... and moved all 1/4 inch wire to 9/32 in size to up the strength a hair and to make most of the line the same size so that the mechanical fittings I used would all be the same size so I could carry less spares. Instead of 1/4 and 9/32 spares I could just get the 9/32.. lol.. of course the whisker stays which were 3/16 and that I bumped to 1/4 inch because none of the 9/32 fittings had the right pin size and 1/4 inch was as big as I could get compatable fittings for. The bobstay is 3/8 and I left it at 3/8's when I replaced it. I used the English Hy-Mod fittings. The were the nicest and easiest system to use with reusable cones and a very high quality idiot proof design.. as well as being one of the cheaper ones.

Rick on sheet size

Tue, 24 Jun 2014 22:19:23 -0400

that's a big help, thanks!

Scott Carle on sheet size

Tue, 24 Jun 2014 16:23:02 -0400

I'm not sure for the ketch... I would think it could be smaller due to breaking up the sail area but for the Downeaster 38 it is 9/32 and 1/4 inch for the uppers and lowers, back stays etc..

its listed on the website. Under boat info...

I would tend to stay with those sizes even for the ketch as I always considered them a bit small and went up to all 9/32 when I re-did my cutter.

Rick on sheet size

Tue, 24 Jun 2014 16:05:20 -0400

Can someone please tell me what size running rigging I should get for a DE 38 ketch? I need to bring our new purchase home; two day trip, but I'm pretty sure the rotten sheets will not last through 10 knots of breeze and need to replace them before we shove off on the maiden voyage. I know Erik said he got 7/16 in bulk from West Marine. That sound right?

Thanks