Variation
Hi,
We sometimes do a similar thing with running backstays. Most of the length is HM -- covered or uncovered -- and is inserted several feet into a single-braid Dacron tail. We lead this tail through a single deck block, and thence to a cockpit winch, and the bury is far enough that the HM is wrapped around the winch at least 3 times by the time the load comes on. The rest of the tail is empty making things lighter, cheaper, and easier to handle when the runner is slacked on the lee side.
Recent tests have shown that we don't need to worry about having the HM on the winch for security,but with the HM compressed inside things are arguably stronger. Whether or not to bury it that far might depend just on how much room there is in the tailer on the winch.
If the HM is of the covered variety, we strip the cover just below the insertion into the tail, which in turn is positioned so that it remains clear of the deck block.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss
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