Roger,

Currently the majority of the fleet is using 5/16" line tapered down to 3/16" core. I usually have the last 20' just the spectra core to save on weight aloft when it is hoisted. This is the case for the jib and the main halyards. On the spinnaker I have recently gone down to 1/4" line tapered down to 1/8" core. This is plenty strong enough for our boats and still not too small to handle.

A halyard 3/8" is going to be way too big for our boats. Some clutches do have a hard time with the smaller 5/16" line, but there are ones that work. We have a halyard tensioning system, so if it slips through the clutch a little it is not hard to adjust. Without this system you are far more sensitive to the line slipping through the clutch.

Hope that helps.

-Jason

:: I'm looking at Scott Easons helpful list of line sizes
:: but am still confused. My boat has old Lewmar rope
:: clutches which require 3/8" line to hold. I tried an
:: extra halyard 3/8" tapered to 5/16th. Its too large to
:: pass through the sheave at the top which is small and
:: has a guard.

:: Im assuming the answer is to use a thinner taperd line
:: and replace the rope clutch. What are others using? The
:: tuning guide says 3/16th technora but doesnt say the
:: cover size