2 mm halyard leader - Canada

[nitrogenase]

Watched a video showing how to replace halyards for winter dryland storage and they showed how to splice a "2 mm halyard leader". I've tried to find this product on amazon.ca and binnacle.ca without any luck Others refer to this as a messenger line, but that also doesn't return obvious hits. Might someone be able to share a link to a product page?

 

[sail sfbay]

No need to slice. Connect each existing line to a small diameter messenger line by sewing with sail wax thread (my method) or attaching a wire (like riggers do) to each ends then taping over the splice, pulling it through and disconnecting. Fast and simple. Reverse the process when installing new line.

 

[nitrogenase]

Can you recommend a good messenger line to purchase? I can’t find messenger line on the website…

 

[Leeward Rail]

Any cheap cordage from a hardware store will work as messenger line. Basically small rope that won't break easily.

I used braided cord from home hardware last time. Easily could get it from rona.

Just attach the rope so that it won't pull apart and also fit through the sheaves/pulleys. Using wire+tape or whatever. The tape helps taper the connection and strengthen the connection.

Then you unwrap the tape and pull it apart. No need for splicing since it isn't a permanent connection

 

[nitrogenase]

Thanks - I used the wrong term - not splicing. I've ordered tape, a palm, and waxed polyester whipping line, but messenger line doesn't show up for purchase anywhere. Suppose I could go to a hardware store but I'll call the marina first to see what they have. I liked the look of the 2 mm halyard leader in the video and was curious what it was.

 

[Leeward Rail]

I'll call the marina first to see what they have. I liked the look of the 2 mm halyard leader...

Who cares what it looks like and why pay way more for the same thin braided $3 rope from a hardware store.
Amazon has a ton of different 1/16" aka 2 mm braided cord in various lengths.

"Messenger line" is just strong cord/rope, that is smaller than the rope/cord you are transferring. You won't find a product actually called that.
Edit: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messenger_line

Decent duct tape works great since it sticks well and you don't need to worry about it leaving adhesive residue since it won't be there long.
I have also used electrical tape.

 

[nitrogenase]

Who cares what is looks like and why pay way more for the same thin braided $4 rope from a hardware stor

Starting at 0:48 "I'm going to start with two millimeter halyard leader. This is specific to this task. I would highly recommend you buy, specifically, halyard leader when doing these jobs, especially if you're taking halyards out for the winter and this is going to stay in the boat all winter. You want something that is tight cover, it's very abrasion resistant, low stretch, and for it's size it's quite strong".

 

[Tally Ho]

The purpose of the messenger is just to get the halyard back in place after the winter. As long as it doesn’t break, or chaffe through over the winter, any line will do. Parachute cord should be fine. I use it to tie down my winter cover and it survives the winter just fine.

Greg

 

[Leeward Rail]

This is specific to this task. I would highly recommend you buy, specifically, halyard leader when doing these jobs, especially if you're taking halyards out for the winter and this is going to stay in the boat all winter.

BS... There is a reason you can't find "halyard leader" in a Web search. It is just strong quality rope... Parachute cord or similar that doesn't deteriorate under UV.

 

[Leeward Rail]

You want something that is tight cover, it's very abrasion resistant, low stretch, and for it's size it's quite strong"

Yeah... Aka Decent parachute cord from a hardware store or Canadian tire or Amazon

 

[dlochner]

If you want to buy the line from a Marine store, this line from Binnacle will work, it is 3/16" polyester braid.

Buy Yacht Braid Rope 3/16" in Canada Binnacle.com

ca.binnacle.com

Nylon line, like Mason's line, is cheap but a poor choice as it can stretch. This can make getting around an obstacle in the mast more difficult as the line will sometimes stretch and jam the halyard. Polyester is the best choice.

 

[rgranger]

Most dental floss is made from Dacron …. Really strong stuff. I sew the ends together (new line to old) with a few loops of floss. Just use a regular needle from your sewing kit. I’ve never had one break on me.

 

[Leeward Rail]

Is taking halyards out for winter a common thing in some places?

I have never seen it.

 

[nitrogenase]

Some do it, some don't. My halyards have not been removed for previous winters but are starting to show corresponding signs of wear. I'm thinking of replacing them next year and would like to better care for them moving forward.

 

[Scott T-Bird]

Is taking halyards out for winter a common thing in some places?

I have never seen it.

I've never done it but I may sometime if I really have nothing else to do.

 

[rgranger]

Some do it, some don't. My halyards have not been removed for previous winters but are starting to show corresponding signs of wear. I'm thinking of replacing them next year and would like to better care for them moving forward.

On a few occasions, I have even laundered my halyards and sheets. Washing out all of the grime and salt makes them feel softer, turn in the blocks better and are easier on your hands. I got some good advice from this forum on how to best wash your lines,… put your lines in a laundry bag like this…

It will keep the lines from getting overly tangled. I used woolite and washed on warm/gentle with no spin cycle and an extra rinse. Lay out your lines to dry so they don't get any mildew.

 

[Leeward Rail]

We talking stepped or unstepped winter storage?

Our current boat's mast was de-stepped each year by the previous owner. All they did was neatly coil the lines around the mast and wrap the area with packing wrap plastic.
Apparently their whole club did it if they dropped the mast.

An old sailbag on each end to prevent nests and protect the wiring etc. The wrap would likely protect the line from UV.

It stays up now... Much less hassle during a short season.

If you are talking mast up.. I would ensure that the messenger line is big enough that it can't get caught in sheaves.

 

[Leeward Rail]

On a few occasions, I have even laundered my halyards and sheets.

Yup. I got weird looks at the laundromat last time.

 

[jssailem]

I get it After reading your post…

”Beneteau 323 Estancia ON CA Wiarton Dingy sailing for years, new to yacht sailing”​

It is a personal commitment to all things on your boat.

Most boat owners I have met view the lines on their boat as a consumable. The running rigging does take a toll being exposed to the weather 24/7/365. Some will weather better than others. Certainly the Dyneema lines have aged better in my experience.

I do not remove my halyards. I do have a little extra length to them. I keep the tail of the line in a canvas bag on the mast to mitigate some of the exposure and to keep the lines organized.

In the spring I use the extra length with a messenger attached to haul down the line that has been exposed to the weather and give it a good bucket rinse at spring commissioning. My running rigging has been on the boat for 6 years. 2023 season opening I’ll give the lines a careful inspection paying attention to all signs of aging.

 

[rgranger]

Yup. I got weird looks at the laundromat last time.

Ah yes!

I was also washing an old tent and several sleeping bags at the same time as my lines. I had taken up three of the washing machines at the laundromat.