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Old 02-19-2020, 04:56 PM   #8
Simi 60
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City: Queensland
Vessel Model: Milkraft 60 converted timber prawn trawler
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 5,482
From the yachtie forum.......

Quote:
Two years ago we shifted much of our running rigging to Amsteel, including our halyards, running backstays, check stays, and lifelines. All together we saved about 150 lbs, most if it aloft.

Our halyards were tapered, meaning that we stripped the cover off except where it might be on the sheet stoppers. They are 6mm dyneema with normal polyester covers where needed.

After about one year the jib halyard broke suddenly about 1 foot from the Brummel splice at the shackle, just below the halyard sheave, while sailing; a flat, clean, break. We hadn't had a halyard break for so many years that I can't even remember when it last happened.

This shocked us, not for the least of which because I had been in the habit of going aloft on a single halyard (not ever again).

This has shaken my confidence in dyneema (or spectra). If a 1 year old dyneema halyard can break at about 10% of its rated strength, then we cannot trust them. I'll still use them, but I consider them a bit suspect.

We probably should worry about the lifelines too.


https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...ml#post3077941
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