halyard replacement

[David Morton]

A well discussed topic, I know, so I'll try to be as specific as I can!
I have had trouble last season dropping my mainsail and I have isolated the cause to the friction of the main halyard running back to the cockpit thru a variety of blocks and clutches. The quality of the blocks is not an issue and all are turning freely and bearings appear good and if I stand at the mast with a coil of halyard, the sail drops freely. The halyard itself is 7/16, fairly worn and heavy. I don't know the brand, but it is softer and bulkier than sta-set. I am considering Samson XLS Extra T, for its Dyneema low stretch and light weight. Though the manual recommends 7/16, I am thinking these newer material ropes may allow as small as 5/16, though I appreciate the increased difficulty handling these smaller lines. Any thoughts? The key to success here will be substantially decreasing the bulk and weight of my current halyard. Any other suggestions?

David

[tjr818]

David,
I certainly agree that you can safely switch to a smaller diameter halyard, but you will still want a size that is easily griped by hand. I think 5/6" might be too small. I did switch to 3/8" for our new halyard and I went with the StaySet-X. I think the SaySet-X is too stiff and too hard to handle, so next time I will try something else, but I will stay with the 3/8" diameter.

[David Morton]

Tim, I considered the handling difficulty of the 5/16 line, but I usually wear gloves to raise the main and, frankly, the line isn't handled often, say compared to the jib sheet. The real question in my mind, is the 5/16 line, with 3800 lbs avg strength, adequate for a main halyard on a CD31?

David

[Jim Walsh]

Tim, I considered the handling difficulty of the 5/16 line, but I usually wear gloves to raise the main and, frankly, the line isn't handled often, say compared to the jib sheet. The real question in my mind, is the 5/16 line, with 3800 lbs avg strength, adequate for a main halyard on a CD31?

David

In my opinion 3,800 lbs. is more than adequate for the purpose. I wouldn't go with 5/16 because it would leave little "wiggle room" should anything occur to reduce the physical integrity or the working load limit of the line. The least bit of chafe or a hockle would have a dramatic effect upon 5/16 line as opposed to anything larger. Then again, line is relatively cheap and you only have yourself to satisfy.

[Cathy Monaghan]

When was the last time you cleaned and greased the sheaves at the top of the mast. If they aren't turning freely under load, it'll be more difficult to raise/lower the sails.

If your halyards have become stiff, it may be time to replace them.


Cathy Monaghan
CD32 Realization, #3

[jen1722terry]

I'm with Cathy on the masthead sheaves. Ours are fine on our 31 but I recall having ones so bad on my old (OLD!) '71 Bristol 26 that had gotten so bad the halyards would just slide over them unless the sail was really wet and heavy. Not good!

I, being on the abject end of the lazy scale, do not go aloft every year to lubricate and check our 31's sheaves (every other year), but I know that I can work the halyard up and down to gauge how well they spin.

Bringing in the sheaves. Bringing in the sheaves. We shall all rejoice in bringing in the sheaves.

See all the northern New England folks on Saturday in Dover!

Jenn and Terry