I'm using 1/4" Yalelight Competition (8:1, Nacra 5.8). It is slightly fatter than most 1/4" lines. I love it, it runs through the blocks well and doesn't absorb water.

I find that the polypro/dyneema single braids (Apex, Slasa, Conception etc.) don't cleat well until they are broken in.

On the Tornado we use Maffioli Swift Cord (5/16") for the spinnaker and run one or two rachet blocks. While it does start to look worn pretty fast, in reality this is just hte "fuzz" tufts in the line that aid in t he grip. I've used the same line for several years now, with multiple 10 day long regattas. Holds up pretty well. I like the grip level of swift cord.

I also use a 3mm coverless spectra tapered out to more 5/16 switft cord for the mainsheet (9:1 non-cascaded). Works great and much easier on the hands than harder traditional lines.

Not really - just trying different stuff out and that's what's ended up on each of the boats.

I'll actually use the 16's mainsheet on the 14 when I race it. The Marstron is just too nasty - 100% polypropylene. Looks great when it's new, but it wears quickly and gets "prickly". I gave away a 50' length of brand new Marstron at our regatta because I knew I'd never use it.

There's not much difference in feel between the Bzzz and Salsa. I bought the Bzzz mainsheet from Rich McVeigh at the 2006 H-16 NAs for $20. He didn't like it because it was too light and washed off the tramp too easily. I think he uses Robline or Paraloc now.

Richie is picky about his lines.

You can pick your friends and you can pick your sheets, but... <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

That's right, I forgot how often Rich changes his lines (or at least, the type of line)...

I've been using the Rooster stuff. It doesn't absorb water, but does like to go off the tramp. It also tends to kink, and sometimes doesn't run smoothly in light air. Grip is OK. All in all, I'd like to find something better.

Mike

Having tried most every different line and line combination out there - fat, thin, fuzzy, slick, 12 strand, double braid, poly, dacron, vectran, spectra, stripped, spliced, diced, smothered and covered, etc. (it's nice to have a warehouse full of string...)

What works for me is 8mm Robline Racing Sheet spliced to 5mm 12-strand spectra on the 10:1 F18 mainsheet. On the A-cat I use the same products but downsize to 6mm Racing Sheet spliced to 3mm 12-strand spectra.

I tend to like the smaller diameter lines, however some of my customers really like the 9mm racing sheet on the handling end.

Interestingly, per General Rule 16.2 the IHCA class rules, tapered sheets are illegal except as allowed within the specific rules for the following boats:

Hobie Dragoon
Hobie FX-One
Hobie Tiger
Hobie 20
Hobie Fox
Hobie 16 (for the kite only)

They are also specifically outlawed by Hobie Wave Rule 5.1.

Does that really make any sense?

Mike