We bought a 1977 Hobie Cat 16 and the main sheet is getting frayed where it goes through the cammatic. I want to buy a new main sheet, but am not sure what width or length to use. The block sets I see online are different than our setup. We have two single pulleys each on a separate hanger about 5 inches apart on the boom (the carrier in each looks like it will accommodate just under ½” line) and also has a double pulley block and cammatic on the traveler on the back of the tramp frame (same size carriers). All are stamped “Seaway”, but with no size or model number. The two pulley block has a total width of 1&7/8”. The main sheet currently in use is just over ½”, say 9/16”, which seems like it’s a little too big as it does not travel freely through the pulleys. The block sets I see online are much different. I'll try to attach a picture.

Has anyone seen a set-up like ours and will you please advise us regarding what type of rope to use for the main sheet? <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Hi,

You want 3/8" Double braid polyester line. If you are trying to save money, Sta-set is cheap. The length is 46 ft. This is for a combined mainsheet and traveler line.

source:

http://www.hcana.hobieclass.com/?Page=2169

Good luck.

You've got the original Seaways. They're okay but you'll do much better with a set of 6:1 Harkens.

Matt said to use 3/8". That's a lot smaller than what's on it now. I guess we could try it and see how it works and if were not happy with the way the 3/8" line runs through the old Seaways, we can bite the bullet and buy some new Harkens. What do you think?

Take you time with it. You may really like the new line. It will not be as comfortable on your hands but you will get used to that. You can take the blocks off and put them in warm water and a little vinegar over night. Run them under water and spin them. This does a good job of cleaning any accucmulated salt etc out and not creating any problems. If you are going to spend money on blocks think for a while first. I mean a while. If you are going to that expense get exactly what you want.

In regard to 3/8 you might like to check what will run freely but not bind.
Soft on the hands, non stretch and wider rather than thiner if you are just day sailing. Racing attitude really is different. But you must not have too fat for the kit.
Get a shock cord. Set the mainsheet up in the garage of wherver so you can trial thickess etc.

You do use sailing gloves, yes? They make it much easier on your hands.

The best possible sheeting line I have ever seen just came on the market last year from New England. Is is called Salsa and comes in 1/4" 5/16" and 3/8" and in two colors, red and green.

This is the best sheet I have ever used.., it does not absorb water, easy on the hands, goes through blocks very well, does not stretch, does not kink or knot while laying on the deck.
It does not have a core, yet doesn't stretch. Check it out.
http://store.catsailor.com/tek9.asp?pg=products&specific=jnqmmmgqg8
http://store.catsailor.com/tek9.asp?pg=products&specific=jnqmmqmml0
http://store.catsailor.com/tek9.asp?pg=products&specific=jnqmnonpe0
And the price is very reasonable.
Hard to beat this stuff.

And with the modern blocks (i.e., Harkens Ratchamatic -- http://store.catsailor.com/tek9.asp?pg=products&specific=jrrqroqrq, or standard Harken at http://store.catsailor.com/tek9.asp?pg=products&specific=jrrrfoipc) 3/8" is way to big -- 3/8" is what we used to use before lines got easier on the hands and blocks got better. I would recommend 5/16" Salsa. Personally, I use 1/4" on my Wave, My Taipan 4.9 and if ever find my lost Taipan 5.7, I will use 1/4" on that as well.

Rick

Bill,

3/8" should fit fine in your blocks. You may be able to go up to half inch, but the added friction of the thicker line will present the problems when:

you must release the sheet quickly,
you want to sheet in,
when in light air,
or if you are trying to extend the length between the blocks and beam to attach your mainsheet

Plus, 3/8” is plenty thick to hand hold comfortably if you are wearing gloves. If it were 1/4” that would be a different story.

Though the harkens are nicer, if your ratchet block works you don’t have to update your blocks.

Matt