Sail Ties - Type/size

[Mike McDonald]

Probably seems like a silly question, but I haven't put the sails on the boat yet, and need to get new sail ties.  I have the tall rig, and wonder what length and type to get for the boat.  Would appreciate any suggestions.  Thanks.
Mike....

[Kevin Henderson]

I prefer to save the $$ and just buy several feet of nylon webbing and cut to size.  I then tie a loop in one end and "viola"  you have sail ties.  I have also considered making my own from bungee and ball ends for the same purpose.  Regardless, cheap and simple is the way to go.

[Ron Hill]

Mike : I use solid shock cord, but web ties also work.  I use 5 shock cord with a loop in one end and a fixed plastic hook.  You make them loose and NOT over tight.  

The choice of what to use is your choice.  A thought

[Stu Jackson]

They keep blowin' off my neck when I use 'em, so it's always some combination of line with bowline making a loop or webbing.  I only need two.

Definition of mainsail & mainsail cover: The ONLY "work" left on MY boat!   

[scotty]

While I prefer webbing (about 6 feet long, I use 4), line works great. I am a little careful about bungie cords with hooks or balls on the end.  When released they can (and have) pack(ed) quite a punch.  The hooks are particularly dangerous.

[Jim Hardesty]

Mike,
There is no such thing as a silly question.  As far as sail ties, they like to disappear, so I buy cheep.  To buy try

http://www.sailcare.com/sail-track-stops-sail-ties.shtml

buy the long ones and cut.
Jim

[Les Luzar]

I had four velcro straps made but only have to use three. They are not that long. I have three shorter ones about three or four feet and one a bit longer for near the mast. Their width is about two inches. Once attached then never come off. They work great and I velcro them around my waist when I go up on deck to secure the main.

[waterdog]

I don't use sail ties anymore.    My sail drops in a bag and I close a zipper.    

But when I did have sail ties, I was always amazed at the near infinite variety of ways that crew would find to tie up the sail.   Going forward to hoist the main could be an adventure.  

So I made ties out of some three strand.   In one end was a loop.   In the other end was a monkey's fist.   When brother-in-law takes the boat out there was only one way to "tie" the sail.    Stick the monkey's fist through the loop and you are done.   The long one went close to the mast.   The short one went aft.   And even brother-in-law could figure out where to use the middle length one...  

[Mike McDonald]

Thanks to everyone for the great ideas.
Mike......