Adding a signal halyard

[Gary Kunkel]

I want to add a signal/flag halyard so I can run things up to the spreader (radar reflector, courtesy flag, etc.) It looks simple enough to just get the kit from West Marine, drill a hole in the spreader and mount the thing. Has anyone done that? Any problems? Any risk to the spreader's integrity by drilling a small hole in it to mount the top block for the halyard. Our boat is a 1988 Catalina 30 MKII. Didn't see anything about this in the archives.Regards,Gary KunkelCatalina 30Folie a DeuxChannel Islands Harbor, CA

 

[Trevor - SailboatOwners.com]

Small hole in spreader = no worries

Hi Gary -No worries drilling a small hole in the spreader for a halyard block. Alternatively (more for convenience than safety), you could use twine to wrap and secure a block for the same purpose (but you'd need to monitor and replace worn twine over time). I'm sure the kit from West Marine you referred to works fine, but you could also just buy a small block and some suitable small rope for the halyard; you might save some money.Best,Trevor

 

[Stu Jackson C34 1986 #224]

Lanacote

GaryThe one thing to be careful about is mixing dissimilar metals. The flag halwyard parts may be stainless, and the screws most likely will be. The spreaders could be aluminum. Make sure you use lanacote to separate the metals or the spreader will start corroding. Not a problem, millions have done this (as you can see in ANY marina), just separate the metals.Stu

 

[RonD]

Did that on C320

Put one on both sides. Port for radar reflector; starboard for pennants, etc. Used a small clamp-on cleat on the rear-most standing rigging (running from spreader to the deck).Regarding the radar reflector, it will seriously chafe any flag halyard unless you add some protection. I do two things:1. I route the return end through a length of plastic hose that is clamped to the reflector, and2. I attach a small (~10inch) piece of line from the reflector to a nylon wire clamp that I slip over the adjacent rigging -- keeps the reflector from spinning around in the breeze.--RonD