Com-Pac Yacht Owners Association

Com-Pac Model Specific Discussions => CP-16's => Topic started by: Chris D on June 11, 2017, 09:52:21 PM

Title: 1/4" running rigging
Post by: Chris D on June 11, 2017, 09:52:21 PM
I was curious if anyone is using the specified 1/4" line for their running rigging? I believe my 16 has 3/8" for the mainsheet and it doesn't feed out very easily. That size seems a bit much. What are other folks using?

Chris
Title: Re: 1/4" running rigging
Post by: Yamaha33410 on June 12, 2017, 04:29:19 PM
It is 1/4" from the factory according to the sticky on specs and procedues on this subforum

I purchased all new ropes in that size to rig my boat and works perfectly.

I use the next size smaller for the topping lift, main downhaul, and main outhaul... but 1/4 for all sheets and halyards

Title: Re: 1/4" running rigging
Post by: Chris D on June 12, 2017, 05:14:09 PM
Thanks for the response Yamaha, I think I am going to replace all of mine with 1/4" too. It seems like everything would roll a little bit more smoothly.
Title: Re: 1/4" running rigging
Post by: MHardy on June 12, 2017, 06:07:49 PM
My 16 came from the PO with a 3/8" mainsheet. I switched to 1/4" and it helped, but it still doesn't move as freely as I would like through the original cam cleat/fairlead. 
Title: Re: 1/4" running rigging
Post by: Whistlingdixie on June 12, 2017, 08:57:20 PM
Great timing for me. I have an 84' that still has original cam cleats from when she was built. When I got her the sheets were worn and very difficult to use with current cams cleats. So I bought new ones. Little to no improvement. Just last week, I reviewed what I believed to be original specs for rigging and saw that it called for 1/4, so I again bought new ones. Sailed last Friday . Big improvement in the ease of handleing the sheets. So for me I am staying with 1/4.
Title: Re: 1/4" running rigging
Post by: Chris D on June 12, 2017, 10:40:16 PM
Thanks MHardy and Whistlingdixie for your input. It verifies, at least for me, that 1/4" is the size for the halyards and sheets. I look forward to the mainsheet moving a little easier through the fairlead.
Title: Re: 1/4" running rigging
Post by: Yamaha33410 on June 13, 2017, 01:17:40 PM
Even with the 1/4" my boom is very sluggish going out with the line, I basically hand feed it extra line... I did put a stopper knot on it right at the right place and sometimes I'll just put it to the stopper and let it do its thing...
Title: Re: 1/4" running rigging
Post by: Chris D on June 13, 2017, 07:56:41 PM
Is that with the line feeding through the standard fairlead and cam set-up? That seems to cause quite a bit of friction on mine. I've been perusing other members posts on changing out to a fiddle block on the boom and new blocks port and starboard. It seems like that might also help. I've had strong gusts hit me and I've not been able to dump the air because the sheet doesn't feed fast enough.
Title: Re: 1/4" running rigging
Post by: Citroen/Dave on June 14, 2017, 07:25:09 AM
Regardless of line diameter and hardware, be sure to use a high quality lubricant in all of the bearing surfaces, including metal to metal parts.  Seasonal routine for me.
Title: Re: 1/4" running rigging
Post by: Chris D on June 14, 2017, 01:26:40 PM
What kind of lubricant do you use Dave? I have never lubed my blocks, maybe that is why they don't seem to work that great. Are you able to do the lubrication without removing them?
Title: Re: 1/4" running rigging
Post by: DaleM on June 14, 2017, 02:06:47 PM
Changed to 1/4 several months ago and very pleased with it.  No more hang ups or snags. 
Fair winds!
Title: Re: 1/4" running rigging
Post by: Chris D on June 14, 2017, 08:22:48 PM
Good to hear it Dale!
Title: Re: 1/4" running rigging
Post by: Citroen/Dave on June 16, 2017, 04:57:52 PM
Chris,

I have used a spray can of white lithium grease with Teflon, can't find the can for the brand name.   Someone must have the name of a good salt and fresh water resistant penetrating spray lubricant.   Lithium seems a good choice as it has been used for water pump grease.

I did not dissemble anything; with line removed give anything that moves a shot. Move the movable parts for distribution, wipe up the overspray, and you are good to go.  Don't get the stuff on the gel coat.

Dave
Title: Re: 1/4" running rigging
Post by: Chris D on June 17, 2017, 06:19:27 PM
Thank you Dave!
Title: Re: 1/4" running rigging
Post by: JBC on June 17, 2017, 10:23:37 PM
I am not partial to 1/4" sheets on a 16. Halyards, fine. I like 5/16" for main and jib sheets...just a bit larger and easier on the hands, especially when sails are pulling hard. I have tried 3/8" sheets and think they are too heavy, especially in light air. And, they do tend to bog down in fairleads/blocks more than smaller diameter sheets.

Dave's idea of lubricating blocks/leads is great! I will try that, though I really don't have much of an issue with my 5/16 sheets hanging up. They seem to pull through blocks and fairleads about as easy as 1/4" sheets do, I believe.

Jett
Title: Re: 1/4" running rigging
Post by: Chris D on June 18, 2017, 10:19:53 PM
Jett, thank you for your input. It is nice to know that 5/16 can also be an alternative to the 1/4" lines. I've been thinking they sound a bit "thin", but since that is what the specs were from Hutchins, I thought it might be worth a shot. I may have to go and get my hands on both sizes to feel them in person before I make a decision. I love this site because of all of the shared experience that everyone has to offer. It makes for such a wellspring of knowledge and information.

Chris
Title: Re: 1/4" running rigging
Post by: SteveL on August 28, 2021, 05:19:39 PM
Johnny come lately here - talked to the CP parts tech and he said they've pretty much gone to 5/16" for everything. I'd prefer that over 1/4"  at least for the sheets because it's "handier", the 1/4" being more difficult to hold in a blow.
Title: Re: 1/4" running rigging
Post by: Bocamo Bob on October 30, 2022, 12:14:24 AM
the factory stated that 5/16 is the size for all lines on the boat.