by Gene Rosson » Tue Nov 01, 2005 6:41 pm
Bolt rope/Jackline: The distinction between these two items is that a bolt rope is sewn permanently into the luff of the sail. Models do not generaly use that method. One function of the rope is to slide inside a mast luff groove, thus holding the sail in place. The over riding purpose of the bolt rope is to reinforce the luff of the sail. The rope will be there even when using external sail track with slides. Slides will be attached to the sail, usually through a series of grommets. In big boat sails,the rope is held in a stretched condition while the sail is sewn to the rope. Only the sail maker knows how much to stretch the rope as it is a function of the stretchiness of the sail fabric. Only models that use some type of woven fabric, for the sail, might use a bolt rope. Woven fabric is rarely used on models except where scale appearance,or authenticity is the criteria.
A jack line is a horse of a different color. It usually runs down the luff of the sail, inside the luff tabling. That is the same location as the bolt rope. No doubt that is why there may be confusion about nomenclature. The jack line is not sewn in place and its' function is only to provide a way to secure the sail to the mast. The down side of the jack line method is that the luff tabling must be cut away at intervals to allow the jack line to be seized. In your case by the eyes of the cotter pins.
If budget will allow it, I would urge you to use a mast section with a built in groove. A section of Goldspar, for example, is priced at about $25. The round version is a little bit more. See the web site section for suppiers.
Best of luck with your restoration.