Reef line size?

[suereal]

I'm sure this has been discussed but I've not found the answer so any help would be appreciated. My boat, Seaclusion, hull number 364, standard mast, has the original jiffy reef slab setup. The owners manual says the reef lines should be 3/8ths line. That seems heavier than necessary. I was wondering what the general consensus is. Thanks for your input.

[glennd3]

Dave I would use what the manual says to use. If I am reefing it is usually because the wind is high and would not want a lighter line that may break or not be the proper size for the hardware. For example a thinner line may slip on the cleat. JMO. Anyway hello Dave and welcome to the club.

[waughoo]

It also seems to me that with modern line technology would allow for a lighter line diameter.  Having less line weight hanging from the sail in light air seems like a good idea generally.

[Noah]

You might also want to take into consideration the "hand/feel" of using a smaller diameter line. 3/8 works fine for me on my full batten sail..

[Ron Hill]

I did the same as Noah and went with 3/8" for both reefs on a full baton Main!

A thought

[suereal]

Thanks for the advice. It really helps.