2nd Main Halyard on a Hunter Vision Mast

[Rick Perkins]

We're looking for advice on installing a backup Main Halyard on our 32' Vision's mast during our next haulout. Two reasons, both related to our unusual rig (no stays or shrouds!): -Having a second Halyard rigged for insurance should the primary break, and -putting a block at the masthead on that spare halyard would allow us to fly flags and pennants on those "special occasions"There are two sheaves at the masthead, but only one exit point for a halyard (port side, about 6 1/2' off the deck, and under the sail cover). We thought the 2nd halyard exit could be located below and off-set from the primary to allow use of the normal halyard path should the primary break. The Second halyard would stay coiled up on a mast-mounted cleat installed for the purpose - and keeping the running end of it at the mast head with a block and a light line (flag halyard size) led to the after end of the boom. Questions: Are there any restrictions on drilling into or mounting things on a Vision mast? We don't want to compromise the strength of the system.Has any one done this before? (Pictures would be nice!)Has anyone ever mounted a winch to a Vision mast? Of course we plan to replace our current halyard this year as routine maintenance, so is this perhaps overkill? We are also considering relocating our Spin halyard about 5' further up the mast to allow for a larger asymetric - the ideal would be to have a second spin halyard exit and cleat added, (similar questions to then as the main halyard) to allow use of either our current asymetric or a larger one. Any feedback from owners of free-standing mast rigs and especially the Hunter Vision is appreciated.Thanks in advance - Rick and Carol PerkinsS/V Noteworthy

 

[Janet Plume]

extra halyard

Hello Rick and Carol:I added a second halyard two summers ago. The boatyard drilled a second exit hole on the port side of the mast and lower than the primary mast halyard and we installed an aluminum cleat about shoulder height. I called Hunter technical services about adding a winch to the mast and they advised against it.i replaced the port double shackle at the foot of the mast that threads one reef line and the jib halyard back to the cockpit with a triple shackle, then i ran the second halyard thru the shackle and straight back to the port cabin top winch.I use the second halyard as a topping lift to keep the boom off the bimini so i won't have to keep the local sailmaker in spades patching my bimini.the halyard stays on the winch in the slip and when motoring, then comes off when sailing and anchors at the cleat on the mast.there is no way to run the line under the big fiberglas cap that covers the other cockpit lines. i put a footlong piece of spliced rubber garden hose around the line where it crosses the traveler to prevent chafe.i'd like to add a spinlock to anchor this line in the cockpit, but the second hull liner is keeping me from doing this. i have already but into it in the anchor well to add better cleats and i'm not real anxious to but into it further.i like this boat except for the factory cutting corners like not putting any backing plates on the stanchions.good luck,janethull #84

 

[Rick Perkins]

Thanks, Janet!

Thanks you for the reply. Its starting to look more difficult than I originally thought to run this second line. If I understand your posting, you use the second halyard as a topping lift - do you have lazy jacks? We found that installing a spacer in the boom vang cylinder to increase the spring's tension helps, and use the lazy jacks to keep the sail cover from chafing the bimini when inport. Appreciate the tip about the stanchions. I don't trust any stanchion to hold my weight (that Navy training!) but knowing there aren't any backing plates is important. Happy sailing - Rick and Carol

 

[Mike Webster]

My 2 Cents Worth

Hi Rick and Carol,I added a spin halyard to my mast about 5-6 feet further up the mast for a larger asymetrical about 8 years ago. I checked with the factory and was told that although they couldn't endorse it, the mast was built with enough safty margin that it would not compromise the integrity of the design. I haven't had any problem from this setup, and have used the asymetrical in pretty strong winds on numerous occasions.I kept it simple and added a bale to the outside of the mast for the halyard attachment, and use the current cleat on the mast to cleat it off (a second cleat would be nice). The only advantage I can see to running the halyard in the mast is reduced noise from wind banging the halyard around while at anchor or in the slip.The biggest problem I've had with the asymetrical is that it won't fly anywhere near downwind, only on a beam to slightly broad reaching. This is largely due to the J dimension being only 8' and it gets blanketed behind the big mainsail. I've considered getting an oversized spin pole in order to get the asymetrical out from behind the main for true downwind sailing. I haven't figured out how else to do it, but if you have other ideas, please share them.As far as replacing the current halyard as routine maintenance, you have swapped the halyard end for end first, haven't you? Since the halyard only wears on the headsail end, this will give you additional years of service before having to purchase a new line.I had the same problem with the boom riding the bimini and solved it by keeping the boom offcenter when at the dock. I run the traveler to one of the end stops, and then I also run the traveler control line on that side down thru the stanchion base and back up to the boom. If you've ever sailed in big waves and tried to work on the cabintop without the boom secured in this method, you should try this. It really controls the boom and makes working on it much safer.I agree that I prefer Hunter put backing plates on the stanchions. However, they do place aluminum plates in the decking where ever they place fittings. They then tap the plates to accept the fitting attachment bolts. I have had stanchion bolts strip out, and have drilled and tapped them for the next size bolts successfully. Good luck with your Vision. After 13 years, I still love mine.Happy sailing,Mike