When I had my Express 27, I had good luck using Yale Crystaline for
the halyards ... 1/4 inch for the forward two and 5/16 inch for the
main. Left the cover on, made it about five feet longer than
absolutely necessary, used luggage tag splices for the shackles.
Every year we'd end for end them, cut off about a foot of the shackle
end, and put a new luggage tag on the other end. Halyards were trusty
and safe for at least four years.
It also helps to cover up the exposed core at the shackles while
stored. Just takes a little velcro 'boot'.
:: I also am interested in going back to non tapered jib
:: and main halyard- Whats the minimum size folks are
:: using?