Bringin in the sheaves

[Pat]

Our boat is a 272 w/Z-Spar Mast, deck stepped with casting at the base of mast with sheaves for at least main halyard and jib halyard I suppose...

We noticed last fall that the sheaves which appear to be some sort of composite material (possibly plastic or possibly metal) are cracking and today
it almost caused us to beach the boat when the main could not be lowered due to the cracked sheaves not turning and the main halyard was lodged in the cracked sheave not allowing it to turn...could not lower the sail. Winds this morning were very gusty from the northwest...and the lake very rough
and I'm about to lose my wife as crew as she was the one on the cabin
top trying to resolve the issue....We did finally get the main down..and did not beach the boat....or have to throw an anchor....she has ordered me to
order new sheaves immediately and so I will.

Here's the question: has any one ordered Z-spar sheaves for a 272 mast?
I guess they are now located in France (Z-spar) but I though someone
mentioned rig-rite in Rhode Is. Do you have the model number for either the
sheaves or the mast? Thanks for your help.

 

[Brian S]

I would give rig-rite a call. http://www.rigrite.com

A friend just broke his mast foot casting, and they helped him get the right replacement.

 

[Pat]

Thank you...did your friend have a model number for the mast or merely ZSpar for 272
O'Day? Thanks very much, Pat

 

[Brian S]

Pat, he called them up and told them he had a Z-Spar mast for his 192.

I think you could do the same for the 272.

On second thought, when I looked at his base casting for the small 192, I noticed that the sheave axle is pressed into the casting. I don't know if that is replaceable or not. I guess worst case scenario is that you'd need to replace the whole casting. You can look and match up your casting here: http://www.rigrite.com/Spars/Zspar/Z-Mast_steps_hinged.html

Now, on the little 192, the new mast base is completely different than the old casting, and it doesn't have sheave pressed into the casting. Rather, it has a halyard organizer that you mount blocks on studs. Much easier from a block replacement standpoint. The only problem is that now he has to cut an exit hole in the mast side to get the halyard out and to the blocks, rather than the step casting where the halyard comes down through the casting and exits the sheave. In his case. because the new design is more of a plate, they also include a Starboard spacer piece to get everything to the same height as the original casting.

Yeah, I think your best bet is to call Rig-Rite.

 

[agprice22]

I also own a 272. I spoke to Rig-Rite. Rig-rite does not have the mast foot or step plate for your z-spar mast. According to rig-rite, those parts have been on back-order for over 5 years. They may have the sheaves. The sheaves you want are 45mm with an 8mm inside diameter. They are on 8mm pins pressed onto the mast foot. You can tap the pins out. You can get 45mm or smaller sheaves with 5/16" inside diameter, and they should work. The hard plastic is likely Delrin. Check Schaefer for sheaves that will work for the different line sizes you need. You are looking for sheaves around 1 3/4" outside diameter. They may not be perfect.

Thanks,

Andrew

 

[Pat]

Thank you very much. I went out today with a tool to tap the sheaves out, but was
not successful.....sprayed with some stuff & am letting it sit overnight....will return in the morning....Rig-- Rite was not helpful....I did measure the sheave with a digital caliper..Rig-Rite told me to measure outside diameter, inside dia....and width...which ii did....banging on the base of the mast is a little scary but it was a beautiful day nonetheless....thanks to everyone for their help.

 

[agprice22]

Very scary to bang on the casting. It is soft. Maybe talk to Rudy at DRMarine for ideas?

Thanks,

Andrew

 

[Pat]

I did talk to Rudy, but he has chosen not to be involved in the sheave issue......he's really a nice gentleman.....he can supply the sheaves for the triple garhaur turning blocks..those are eaten by the sun as well...plus there is a design flaw in that the block / sheaves are not designed to handle 3 lines of 3/8 inch diameter.. they are old though...27 years old & getting older like me.

 

[Brian S]

You could always add a halyard organizer plate under the deck casting, and attach blocks. Cut exit holes in mast, and Bob's yer uncle...

 

[agprice22]

You could always add a halyard organizer plate under the deck casting, and attach blocks. Cut exit holes in mast, and Bob's yer uncle...

I agree, but it seems a lot to do to work around replacing a sheave. I actually thought of doing it myself, but the masthead is designed for internal sheet and halyards. I would remove the mast foot and tap out that pin. A 5/16 inside diameter sheave of 45mm or smaller will work. I am replacing one this week. However, my mast is on the ground right now, so that makes it easier.

Thanks,
Andrew

 

[Pat]

agprice22, our boat is in the water for the first time in roughly 3 years because of drought so I'll just live with the cracked sheaves until next fall when I will tap them out...with Rig Rite not having the foot either, I could be in trouble if I crack it so will not continue pounding on the sheave....It moved maybe 1/16 inch yesterday..so Ill pound a little every visit...next problem is the engine key lock which is disappearing into the
engine control section at the stern...anyone know how I access the key tumbler mechanism from behind? crawl into the lazarette probably which may be difficult...I do have a lock-smith friend so will keep trying.....Pat