Morning 

what gauge are we using for topping lift wire, i have been using dyneema but I want to stiffen it up, my old boat had a flexible steel wire, but struggling to find something small enough 

Deleted

Edited August 13, 20241 yr by John Bennett
Better answer by Brad

Hi Andy,

40lb single strand wire is what i have used on all of my boats. Same Malin Stainless steel leader wire brand i use for shrouds and backstay.
The issue with dyneema and before that dacron on leech lines is the amount of stretch under load making minute adjustments difficult and any setting moving under different wind conditions. Near imposible to get repeat consistent adjustments.

Just loop ithe wire at the top over the hook that goes into the mast and put a loop in approx 100mm above the jib boom that leaves enough room for a dyneema and bowsie adjuster at the bottom.

Cheers

Brad

 

13 hours ago, Brad Gibson said:

Hi Andy,

40lb single strand wire is what i have used on all of my boats. Same Malin Stainless steel leader wire brand i use for shrouds and backstay.
The issue with dyneema and before that dacron on leech lines is the amount of stretch under load making minute adjustments difficult and any setting moving under different wind conditions. Near imposible to get repeat consistent adjustments.

Just loop ithe wire at the top over the hook that goes into the mast and put a loop in approx 100mm above the jib boom that leaves enough room for a dyneema and bowsie adjuster at the bottom.

Cheers

Brad

 

Cheers Brad 

Hello Brad,

Could you please confirm the size of the Malin S/S leader wire you use.  You say it is 40 lbs, but Graham Bantocks multi plait wire suitable for IOMs has a 50KG breaking strain.  That is more than twice as strong.  Is that correct?

Thanks

Chris

Chris

If you are using multi strand s/s wire nip down to your local fishing shop and get a pack of tracer wire available in a variety of breaking strains. I have used 28 lb wire, but up to if you want to go heavier/lighter. Don't forget to obtain a pack of suitable crimps. Most of the multi strand wires I have purchased are plastic coated so attention is needed to crimping to avoid slippage, ask the fishing shop for advice. All the s/s wire on my boat came from this source.

Regards Eric

Hi Chris,

I’m thinking there may be some confusion here. My response to the post by Andy with regards to 40lb wire was for use in an IOM (Marblehead or 10R) leech line.

For shrouds, forestay and backstay for an IOM, I use and recommend 80lb single strand Malin wire or similar. I have not used braided wire or swages for 30 + years, choosing the option of less windage, weight, stretch, reliabilty with the added ease of precise rigging for racing.

I appreciate others may have their own preferred methods and choices.

Cheers

Brad
 

 

Malin wire, as per above. Does anyone have a Uk supplier to recommend …. Can’t find any in UK all appear to be in the US.

have run out out of 80lb

have been offered some, which is great, but…

Has anyone used any product from this company ..and wants to report back?

Edited November 13, 2025Nov 13 by Stephen B

Malin wire is available on Amazon

Thank you…..Ethical sailor…. Don’t buy from Amazon, was trying to find a retailer direct.

Have one link…. But not the 80lb

https://leadertec.com/product/malin-single-strand-stainless-steel-leader-wire/

Uk firm,

On 29/08/2024 at 18:04, Eric Finley said:

Chris

If you are using multi strand s/s wire nip down to your local fishing shop and get a pack of tracer wire available in a variety of breaking strains. I have used 28 lb wire, but up to if you want to go heavier/lighter. Don't forget to obtain a pack of suitable crimps. Most of the multi strand wires I have purchased are plastic coated so attention is needed to crimping to avoid slippage, ask the fishing shop for advice. All the s/s wire on my boat came from this source.

Regards Eric

If you go down this route, which I do for all my bigger boats, just make sure that you also get proper crimping pliers. The local fishing shop may well sell these, mine does. If you rely on trying to fix the crimps in place with ordinary pliers or cutters, slip with the trace wire is very possible. With the crimps properly clenched down with the crimping pliers, it is most unlikely to occur.

Malin wire is v good no crimping make loop and wrap tail