YachtingRopes.com

1 - Current sheet

The most widely used reference is the current halyard - in terms of material and diameter. This is generally a good reference. Especially if you do not have any complaints about the use of the sheet and sailing properties.

2 - Diameter

In most cases, the blocks, clamps and winches determine the maximum and minimum and maximum diameter of the sheet. Do not select the thinnest line because an older clamp may show wear which may result in slippage of the sheet. It is also not desirable to select the maximum diameter because the diameter of lines - if free of tension - is a little bit more than what is indicated. In some cases this can be up to 10%. The diameter of ropes is measured when it is placed under tension with 20% of the breaking strength. Most ropes have a tendency to shrink a bit. Especially Marlin does not have this problem.

Elongation is - next to diameter and cover - also important for a sheet. The less elongation, the less the jib, spinnaker  or mainsail needs to be trimmed. Marlin have a very limited elongation up to 1-2,5% with a load of 20% of the breaking strength. Most polyester lines have an elongation that is much higher and can go up to 10%. Bora is an exception and is a Polyester lines with the lowest elongation. Below is a chart in which the elongation is illustrated:

5 - Breaking Strength

Breaking Strength is a reasonable overrated property. Most ropes - when properly sized - will never break. The breaking strength however determines the elongation of the rope: a rope with a higher breaking strength will have a lower absolute elongation that the same rope with a smaller diameter. In all other cases, this property is clearly subordinate to the diameter and the elongation.

6 - Weight

The weight of sheet can be of interest - this usually depends on the sailor and his boat. Professional sailor will have an interest in weight. Marlin and D-sheet are very light in comparison with ropes such as Polyester Bora, Meltemi, Hurricane and Zephyr. This makes Marlin a very powerful sheet on any yacht.

7 - Colour

The colour of the rope is not only an aesthetic criterion but also important for the UV radiation. White lines have little or no problems with UV radiation. Coloured ropes that are UV resistant usually are more expensive than white ropes because the material is more expensive and in some cases an extra step in the production process must be made. All of our lines are - depending on the cover - treated with different methods that protect against UV radiation so that, even after a few seasons the ropes still looks fine.

8 - Budget

And last-but-least the budget. Everyone has his own limitations. Dyneema lines are in comparison with Polyester lines relatively expensive. That does not mean that they are an irresponsible investment. Investing in Marlin or D-sheet will repay itself in the quality of sailing. The weight of the sheet is very low so the sheet is easier to handle and to store. Next to this, Bora - as the polyester line with the lowest elongation - Meltemi, Hurricane and Zephyr are also an excellent solution with a high price / performance ration.

9 - Summary