Regardless of whether it is new or used, nothing works on a sailboat without ropes. Nevertheless, the lines on many yachts lead a sad existence. Even with the basic equipment, people like to save. If the shipyard chooses cheap polyester products for the traps instead of expensive high-load fibers, the costs are at least halved. The tempting thing is that on the outside, the cheap linen looks just as good as the high-priced products. When new, they sometimes feel even smoother.
This also has consequences for retrofitting. Anyone who is overwhelmed by the diverse range of equipment on offer will literally be wrong. Even the manufacturer's award is of limited use. Especially in the lower price segment, the ropes are often recommended for all possible purposes at the same time. This is not fundamentally wrong, but the disillusionment follows when sailing.
Large and genoa halyards should have very little stretch. For a gennaker or spinnaker, on the other hand, a little horizontal bar is definitely an advantage
On the other hand, the outfitter is happy to always use the most expensive rope, but unnecessarily burdens the board cash. Instead, you should think about the requirements. The more precisely it is clear what the rope should do, the easier it is to choose the optimal rope. The material and construction of the lines play a role here. They not only determine the price, but are also responsible for the elongation behavior, the breaking load, the abrasion resistance and the feel.
In the case of traps, an intermediate jacket can improve the holding force in the stopper, but it is not necessary for all rope constructions
Especially in combination with trap stoppers and winches, a different mix of materials in the jacket can bring significantly better results. In addition, not every case and every sheet has to be made of Dyneem; Sometimes a little more horizontal bar is even an advantage. It looks similar with mooring lines. Here, too, the material used and the braiding of the line have a direct impact on everyday life on board.