Main halyard

[Mike Reyes]

I am planning  to replace my main halyard line. Wo.dering what others recommend?

The current setup is around 3/16" Amsteel Blue with a spliced eye on the end, which I attach with a soft shackle. The rig is carbon.

The problem is that the Amsteel  Blue, while strong, is hard on the hands, and slick. It won't  stay in a normal cleat, or even two. A horn cleat is all that will hold it.

Recommendations for a line that is plenty strong, not stretchy, and easier on the hands and cleats?

Sta Set X or something better?

Thanks in advance!
Mike Reyes
#16 Nostalgia

[Mike Reyes]

A friend recommended  Endura in 8mm. Expensive. Overkill or good? Anyone know length or mast height?

[PurpleOnion]

I ordered 80' for the main halyard. I think there's 5+ feet to spare in that number, but I'm locked up away from my boat so I can't confirm.  It was 1/4" (6.5 mm) Samson "XLS Yacht Braid".  It was on sale, possibly discontinued - or at least that's what Fisheries Supply says when I look up the order.  I'm disappointed with the amount of stretch it seems to have.  I can't substantiate that with any measurements, but it does seem to stretch.  I would suggest something with lower stretch characteristics than that. You can look up its characteristics and compare it to other options.  The one page I looked at says 2.9% when loaded to 30% of breaking strength.

[TimPorter]

If I wasn't using wire I would replace with something like New England Endura Braid.  The core provides the strength and the cover will cleat.  Guessing 6mm or 8mm. 

[Mike Reyes]

Thanks for the replies. Rod at Vela is making me up a new 8mm halyard with a dynema core.