Ryan,

You should try to support Ensign Spars. They are our Class licensed builder and have all the right parts and dimensions.

Now, if you need something right away I go to West Marine (or your local store) just like everyone else. But I go there knowing exactly what I want and seldom rely on the staff who may know retail sales but little about racing a sailboat.
 
So, 60' is the number you want as a minimum. 67' sounds like a better number and probably closer to what I have. Here is why: You run the main sheet through the blocks to get a 3-1 purchase. By having the longer length you can adjust to a 4-1 if the wind blows over 30kts (why are you out in 30 kts? - Annapolis NOOD 2017).

Next let the boom out until it is just short of the aft shrouds. Mark that spot at the mid-boom block and tie a big knot in the line right there. You will never, and cannot physically, let the boom out more than that. You never want the boom pushing on the shrouds. When you head down wind just dump the main and it will stop in the magic spot with no thought required.

Finally, take the end of the main sheet and tie a bowline around the back post of one of the benches. Now when you dump the main or jibe the sheet doesn't fly out of the cockpit and end up hanging in the water. It will be hanging loosely across the bench and into the cockpit. Just reach down and start trimming.

So you might want to add 10' to the standard main sheet to really solve a few problems at once. I checked online and found 5/16 stay-set for $.72/ft and 3/8 for $1.59/ft. So for $7-$15 more rather than $7-$15 less you will have a better experience. Also, amortize that over the life of the boat and you should feel just fine about your purchase.



Bill Murphey
Chowder, #176
Fleet Captain
Fleet 63, Barnegat Bay, NJ

Have you tried Defender Industries for line?   Sorry can’t comment on the length as we just bought #512 Volare and I also just added mid boom block.  I just went for the 60’.

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Does anyone have an idea of the length for a replacement mainsheet when using the mid-boom sheeting configuration? I recently found out that when I purchased 1177 this spring the two fiddle blocks and the mainsheet seemed to have been missing. The previous owner is searching but time is running out.

EnsignSpars.com lists the length on their pre-made mainsheet as 60ft. I'm not sure if that's being overly generous or fairly accurate. Because I'll have to buy the line locally since I'm in a hurry I'll likely end up paying a premium for some simple 3/8" Sta-set. I already know I'm getting gouged on the price so if I can get away with 50ft instead of 60 then at least I'd walk away feeling a little better about my purchase....

Thanks in advance,

Ryan