Boom outhaul line/cable H31

[Jim]

As long as we are talking booms, I would like to replace my outhaul line in the boom. I noticed after removing the forward sheaves that it is attached to a cable inside the boom. How do I remove the line/ cable connection to do the job? I have a feeling I will have to remove the entire boom aft assembly to do it!

 

[Steve Dion]

attach a fish line.

Jim:If you get yours an inexpensive piece of line (about 15' long) and sew it onto the line end of the outhaul. Then just pull the old line out of the boom. Be sure to attach a stick or something to the bitter end of the fish line so you do not pull it thru the forward end of the boom. Cut the sewn end off and secure it so you do not loose it inside the boom.Take that line to the rigging shop and have them make you a new one. Then reverse the process. Take the end of the fish line and sew it onto the new outhaul and pull it back through the boom.Easy to do and you do not need to remove the boom.

 

[Sam Lust]

Different view

What's the big deal about removing the boom? Is this some kind of major problem or something that I'm missing? My boom comes off each fall and when necessary gets taken apart and inspected for wear and damage. Removing the boom and doing the job right is easier than the "fish line" idea.If your boom is Kenyon there is most likely a simple tackle system inside where the cable is swaged to a block. The line you haul on forms a 2 or 3 to one purchase on the cable. If you're happy with the amount of purchase (mechanical advantage) and the blocks are smooth and free then just reeve in a new line and reassemble. The spliced eye on the end of the outhaul line where it connects on to the block? Put the money you'd give a rigger into one of Brion Toss's tapes or books (Buy both, they're good.) and learn how to do it yourself. Buy some extra footage of rope so you can get it right. If you follow Toss's instructions your first splice will be usable and your third will be good. And you'll feel good about it.