Continuous loop...
 

I am sure this has been discussed before, but darned if I can find it, so forgive me if I repeat something previously answered...

I am adding a two-speed (4:1/8:1) mainsheet to my 40' ketch, most likely using Garhauer's blocks. This requires a continuous loop of line, leading to my question, how do I do that?

It's not a particuarly high load application, with a mainsail of 325 sq ft I figure an end boom loading of about 2300 lbs, with the 8:1 split, the load on the splice shouldn't exceed 300 lbs or so.

The splice needs to be able to run through the blocks without a problem. I guess the question is actually two part: What kind of line should I use to get the smoothest join, and where do I find the end-to-end spliceing directions?

Continuous Mainsheet
 

You want to use a good quality dacron double braid in this application, I like New England StaSet, but there are others.

The splice is nicely detailed (as are many others) in Brion and Margie's Splicing Field Guide. In terms of splicing, I have found this book better, and more complete, than the Brion's TRA.

Bob

In addition...
 

I recently bought Brion's DVD on splicing which really helps illustrate what is in the book. There are little visual things that you can notice that no amount of words will paint.