How to thread line into boom

[EricFowler]

I have a Catalina Capri 16, which has a line that connects to the snap on the end of the topping lift, runs into the aft end of the boom, continues inside the boom, and comes out of the boom at the mast(I am not sure what to call this line). At the mast end, it is on the port-most of three pulleys embedded in the boom.

In the act of raising the mast, the line was pulled all the way through the boom. I need to re-thread it through the boom. When I was at the boat last night, and noticed my f---up, all I had time or patience to do was to swear at it and postpone it until the morning - which is now.

Is there an easy way to thread that line? Mind, I have not really investigated this yet. Maybe when I get to the boat with a night of sleep, some obvious method will present itself. But I would appreciate some guidance, especially if the answer is not obvious.

Thanks much

Eric

 

[Parsons]

We have all been there, and I know of two tricks that might help. Least work for a small boom with an open end is to use an electrician's fish tape which is essentially a long stiff wire on a coil to push into the boom and run the new line. It's easiest to start with the smallest opening and push the tape to the larger opening to be able to recover it later. A short length of coat hanger bent into a hook will help to make a turn at an opening, if you're trying to get it back out of the boom. A less elegant method if you don't have a tape handy is to remove the boom from the gooseneck and hold it vertically to drop the line itself down the inside - a small weight may help. Most through-mast blocks are removable, so consider that taking them off to ease your fishing expedition. Luck!

 

[Dougo]

I used a string with a small weight attached and lowered it into the boom while it was removed & sitting vertical. Then attached the topping lift to the string & pulled it through. Very much like Parsons "less elegant" method.

 

[Brian D]

Well, if you don't have line and weight, or a plumbers/electrician's snake, you might be able to use a stiff thin measuring tape. Should work the same as a snake.

Oh... and when you install your next line, don't forget to put a stopper knot on both ends.

 

[Apex]

tie a plastic grocery bag to messenger string, vacuum on the other end: A trick taught to me by electrician. AWESOME solution.

 

[FourPoints]

strong magnet and something metallic (or even another magnet) on the end of a small line, you can easily pull the line through the boom. I just did it myself a couple weeks ago, took less than 5 minutes to do the whole job.

 

[wufibugs]

The vacuum and the magnet are really nice ideas that I should have thought of myself and never would have.

 

[EricFowler]

Fixed ...

Weights on a length of sail thread did it. The vacuum gets the most style points though.

 

[shemandr]

tie a plastic grocery bag to messenger string, vacuum on the other end: A trick taught to me by electrician. AWESOME solution.

Love that!
I've lost lines in masts and booms so many times I can't count. Previously I've used a plastic coated 1X19 wire to re reeve the messenger line in the boom. Not so hard. Easier if the boom/mast isn't on the boat. It can be a little tricky if there are other lines in the boom or in some cases multiple blocks for increasing purchase for outhauls and reefing lines. In the Capri this is unlikely to be a problem.
I've also used plumber's snakes.

 

[Chris Patterson]

I sort of hate giving a plug to this place, but now and then I run across a winner. Harbor Freight has these fiberglass rods that you can screw together for more length, and has a hook on the end for pulling. Not unlike gun cleaning rods, the threads look the same, (I haven't tried that). Anyway, about ten bucks I think, and stows quite nicely in the tool bag. Less ungainly than the traditional electricians snake.

 

[FourPoints]

Just be careful if you use the plastic bag trick, it can end up with your lines twisted in the boom if you're not careful. The magnet will slide along the inside of the boom, cannot twist around other lines like that.