[k7cej]

I am replacing the spinnaker halyards on our Outbound 44. The original lines were Sta-Set X and after 8 seasons and a south pacific crossing they are faded and stiff where exposed. I tried washing them in a mesh bag, but the cover herniated the core in several spots -- use les violent setting next time!).

I am leaning towards using plain double-braided dacron as being more flexible, but a broker I respect says either type of line will chafe through in two days offshore. We haven't ever used our cruising chute that long, preferring a poled-out genoa for control and ease of reefing. My friend adivses using a tail of single-braid spectra (such as Amsteel) long enough to go from the shacke over the halyard block into the mast.

Is this practical? The Rigger's Apprentice doesn't cover a high-mod to type I double-braid splice. I have ordered Working Rope, Bk 5; will this cover the splice? What about UV degradation? These lines spend most of their life tied off at deck level.

I could just use a dacron covered, Dyneema cored line and strip the cover...and it would only cost about $1000 more...but I don;'t think I really need the low stretch. Any advice would be appreciated.