Halyards
June 12, 2009 by Chris Wethered
Filed under Sailboat Rigging And Marine Rope
Is stretching slowing boatspeed?
Boat speed is determined by a range of factors. Stretched halyards are one of them. Because sail shape is linked to boat speed, your lines are contributing to the speed of your sailboat.
Of course they are designed for the task at hand, but they do suffer over time. Stretched lines mean weak lines. You can easily check them out.
Do the following:
- Look out for memory when you coil them
- Hold a couple of feet in your hand and see whether it falls towards the deck or stays in the air
- Look at the overall condition of the line, color, ease of flaking
Quick checks
These simply checks can help you determine whether you need to buy more halyards. This could be the key to improved boat speed! Better sail trim, improves boat speed.
Check out that sail shape - beautiful and fast!
Here's the practical advantage
By raising your average boat speed you will benefit. Suppose your out cruising with your family and you've decided to round it off and go back home. In order for the tide to be in your
favor you need that fraction more from the sails. So the sails are set and you've done all you can do with the vang. But the speed does not change! You can't get the sail trim to meet
Catch the tide!
with the prevailing wind and you wont catch that tide either! It's down to the depreciated condition of your halyards. So you motor in, instead. That's a shame when you could have sailed.
Good news
Here's the good news! You may need some of that! West Marine supplies halyards to suit all sailboats, you can browse through below and get the boat speed you deserve!
Want more for your money? West Marine are giving away 10% on orders over £100!
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