Author Topic: Rope cascade kicker  (Read 5754 times)

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Offline AJP

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Rope cascade kicker
« on: August 28, 2014, 10:27:04 PM »
Hi
Can anyone advise what type of rope should I use for a cascade kicker to replace a wire one, and what thickness should it be?

Offline Tim Noyce

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Re: Rope cascade kicker
« Reply #1 on: August 29, 2014, 09:17:37 AM »
The kicker on our boat has been spliced using standard braided 12 strand SK75 Dyneema rather than the more expensive SK78 variety. The first cascade is made from 5mm, and the 2nd and 3rd cascades are spliced from 4mm. The control lines are then 4mm dyneema core control line. My theory was that the first cascade has the most load so go big, and then the 4mm was substantial enough for the remainder of it. Don't underestimate the amount of purchase you require so go big!

Offline phil_kirk

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Re: Rope cascade kicker
« Reply #2 on: September 06, 2014, 08:13:53 AM »
I have 4mm spliced D12 on all lines of a 16:1 purchase cascade.
The control line is 4mm Excel racing.  The whole kicker system is original to the boat. I have used the same set up on my enterprise.

I have use 6mm D12 on a Cunningham Cascade on a 36 foot yacht with no problem.  Just goes to show the line is quite strong and the loads don't increase especially between boats of a similar size.

The main thing on a kicker is to have low stretch to maintain sail shape and minimse chafe.