American 18, Cat boat

[Frank Ama]

I just purchased a 1970 Herrshoff American 18, Cat Boat. Halyards did not come with the boat. I need the length of both halyards. Halyard pulleys are 3/8 inch. Help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Merlin Clark]

I'd think that twice the height of the mast (from the boom) would be a good place to start and you can adjust from there.
Is yours gaff rigged?
Cool boat BTW.

 

[SamLust]

merlinuxo comes pretty close on this one. You'll also have to add in for whatever additional is involved in the peak halyard. Better to bur too much than not enough.

I just bought the boat that your America 18 became, the ComPac Horizon 20, a 2006 model. The 20 part is wishful thinking as the hull is still really an 18. With about 5 hours of sailing her I'm very pleased..

 

[Ray Bowles]

I'd say that the halyard should be twice the heigth of the mast and add to that the length to the middle of the cockpit so you'll have enough extra to handle the sail with.
Enjoy your boat as they are truly a beautiful boat.
Ray

 

[Joe]

Look in the west marine catalogue for instructions on measuring for running rigging and selecting the right line.