Running Rigging Upgrades

So you are thinking up upgrading your running rigging, but what should you spend your money on to get the most benefit?

This is a brief guide on upgrading your running rigging which is based on information provided by Steve Franklyn of Ancasta based on discussions with the riggers he uses. If you have any questions please contact Steve directly rather than the author of this article.

You should keep in mind that when you upgrade a single component, there are related items that may no longer be able to handle the upgrade. For example you will likely find that if you upgrade to vectran halyards this will result in the masthead sheaves distorting under the loads which the vectran imparts on them.

The table below shows the areas of running rigging to upgrade listed in order of priority.

Bénéteau First 31.7

Standing and Running rigging up grades

Rigging Item

Recommended Upgrade

Associated Fittings

Notes

Forestay

Straighten round rod

Calibrated turn buckle

Numbered for ease of use

Sheaves

Delrin sheaves

Sheaves top and bottom of mast

Custom built

Backstay

Vectran rope

 

 

Main sheet system

Dyneema rope

 

 

Backstay sail flicker batten

 

 

Stops sail getting caught on back stay

Backstay

Safety strop

  

Between backstay and fitting

Main Halyard

Polyester cover vectran core

H5 alu halyard shackle

Fittings by Tylaska

Genoa Halyard

Polyester cover vectran core

T8 standard bail

Fittings by Tylaska

Spinnaker Halyard

Dyneema rope

T8 standard bail

Fittings by Tylaska

Genoa Sheets

Dyneema rope

J8 snap shackle

Fittings by Tylaska

Spin Sheets

Tapered spin sheets

Soft eye splice both ends

T8 large bail

Fittings by Tylaska

Spin Guys

Tapered spin guys

Soft eye splice both ends

T8 standard bail

Fittings by Tylaska

Blocks

Harken black magic

 

Over time upgrade all blocks

 

 

AUTHOR: Andy Phelps – Electra GBR 8198T
DATE: 9 February 2006