Halyard line - Hobie 18

I recently took my mast down in preparation to replace the standing rigging. I thought I might also replace the main halyard line as well while I have the mast down. The current one appears to be in fair condition. According to Hobie Parts & Accessories catalog, the main halyard is a 1/4" by 58' line. Yet the line that is currently being used for my halyard is much larger in diameter than that.

I am assuming that a previous owner may have placed this line or that 31 years ago (it is an '84 Hobie 18) the lines used were different. Before I decide whether to replace the existing line or not I would appreciate some opinions on how to proceed.

Thanks!

Bruce

All the info I have indicates that the halyard line is 3/16" line ... that is what I have on my boats ... 14, 16 and the 18. I could imagine the line was replaced with a larger diameter line to make raising the sail easier on the hands. The mast head on he 14 and 16 has a 3/8" wide shieve in it. I am sure a 1/4" or 5/16" line would work fine. The small mast cleats fill up fast with the larger line though.

The stock 3/16" line has been more than sufficient in my experience. If you need a stronger line, or feel excessive tension/resistance on the line, check the sail track to make sure it's not pinched at any point. Also check that the sheave at the bottom is free rolling. When I bought my boat, that sheave was stuck and had been worn completely through on one side! Also note that the recommended method of raising the main is with the boat pointing into the wind (highly important!) and with your crew feeding/pre-feeding the sail into the track. Some also use a non-grease/oil based lubricant on the sail track. I find that my halyard is a bit springy, which I somewhat prefer, as I know the halyard will stretch rather than tear the main if it gets caught/stuck on its way up.

The only other reason I can think that someone might've increased the halyard size is if they used the halyard tied to the boom and the boom travelled all the one to one side and sheeted in tight to help tension the rig. This is an old technique that is strongly recommended against, because if the halyard snaps the rig will come down.

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Mike

'79 H18 standard 'Rocketman II' sail #14921 RIP
'78 H18 (unnamed) sail #14921
'08 H16 sail #114312
'97 H21SC sail #238

The current standard is 1/4" prestretch. It works well. The older boats did use a larger diameter line. It also worked OK, but did not roll through the sheaves as easily. 3/16" would be pretty tough on the hands.

sm

Apologies, I read a little too quickly. I believe my halyard is 1/4" line, not 3/16". Again, I don't have any problems with it. Not sure if it's prestretch, as it's actually quite spongy feeling as I'm hoisting up the main. Definitely worth investing in a good pair of sailing gloves.