1993 23.5 main halyard replacement

[Louis]

My original halyard had a splice to hold the shackle it looks much nicer than a bolin knot tieing the shackle but thats what I will have to do does anybody know if this will still allow me to raise my main sail to its maxium height.

 

[Wanderer138]

Try a buntline hitch

A buntline hitch is more compact than a bowline and much more secure. It actually gets tighter with use, in fact I usually cut the knot to get the shackle off. Most nautical references should have instructions and practising knots is not a bad way to spend a winter evening. Good luck.PeterH23 "Raven"

 

[Stu Sauer]

Why not an eye splice?

If you swap the existing halyard end for end, a different portion of the halyard will take the wear and tear over the sheavs and the end of the halyard that was not attached to the headboard shackle should be pliable enough to cut and splice in the old shackle. If you have not tried it before, it isn't that hard and the instructions come with the fid. A splice is stronger and more reliable than any knot. If you are buying a new halyard and are concerned with your splicing ability you can always let West Marine do the splice on new line with your existing headboard shackle.

 

[Wanderer138]

Why I prefer knots to splices

I totally agree that splices look nicer and don't reduce line strength as much as a knot. However, for me a buntline hitch is faster than a splice. When the halyard starts to show wear over the sheaves, I just cut a foot or so off the end (shackle and all) and retie the shackle. Unworn line is now on the sheaves, and it's all over in a couple of minutes. The halyard only moved a foot instead of having to be swapped end for end. The process can also be repeated any number of times as long as the halyard was purchased with enough extra length. Just my two cents...PeterH23 "Raven"

 

[Steve O.]

pre-spliced

West Marine and I'm sure others sell pre-spliced halyards. Measure you halyard and order, if its too long you can trim it.

 

[louis]

buntline

Thanks everyone for your help, yes the buntline works as does the bowline. The buntline seems smaller and tighter. I didn't find out until later that yes west marine carries the pre spliced halyards. My dealer sold me this new line in hopes it would cure the problem of slipping out of the clam cleat. I was there to buy a clutch or some type of better cleat. Don't think it will cure the problem but will try it the halyard was original 93 23.5.I replaced the horns with power cleats per this forum and also had to replace the jib sheet. So maybe the jib halyard next year?