furling line length (E-29)

[julibell]

furling line broke today on my E29. It has a 150 head sail and I need to replace the furling line. It is a Harken Furler.
Any suggestions on length and advice on how to secure it to the drum.
Many Thanks !!

 

[Christian Williams]

I would examine why it broke. If there's chafe, consider remedy.

I'd use the old length, if it worked. My Harken 1 furler just uses a knot in the line through a hole provided in the drum.

You can use almost any line, but some replacement line is just too thick for the drum. Use smallest diameter comfortable in the hand.

Consider single braid ("Regatta braid" at NE Ropes). It doesn't kink and works well for me. But any good quality line is fine, high strength or super low stretch not important.

 

[JSM]

You can use almost any line, but some replacement line is just too thick for the drum.

On our last boat my wife complained about the 1\4" line being to small to grip. I went to 3/8" and stripped the core out of the portion that rolled on to the drum. Worked well, ten years later its still in use.