1/4" is fine for sheets and halyards. It's just big enough to be comfortable on the hands and light enough to keep sheet weight from hampering sail performance in light winds. With larger lines comes larger blocks, sheaves, weight, etc. bp **************It's Tax Time! Get tips, forms, and advice on AOL Money & Finance. (http://money.aol.com/tax?NCID=aolprf00030000000001)