Changing out running rigging question

[Delphinus]

I have an S2 11.0C that I want to change the running rigging out on. We currently have the wire/rope type lines and I want to change that to all rope. Has anyone else done this? I am concerned that the sheaves need to be changed out. Are the sheaves V grooved or round grooved? I was told that if V grooved, which is typical for the wire lines, that I should change the sheaves. The boat is currently on the hard so I can't climb up the mast to check it out. If the sheaves need to be changed, how hard is it to change them out on the S2 11.0?

Thanks,
D

 

[woodster]

not sure about your sheaves being v groved or round but i do know that the mast head screws may be very hard to remove being 25 years old ...they may even break off while trying to remove them ...so you may want to unstep the mast to do this changing out so you can be in full control of the event...mine are 31 years old and stuck to the point of haveing to drill them out ...and PB blaster has not even made a bit of difference in trying ti get them out ....just a heads up

regards

woody

 

[BobM]

http://www.rigrite.com/spars/kenyon_spars/Kenyon_Parts/K_sheaves.html lists replacement Kenyon sheaves. Note that the larger ones, likely to be used at the mast head, say "with wire/rope V-groove" in their descriptions. That may mean that they are a combination sheave with a step in the profile to hold rope, but a vee at the bottom. Rigrite is very helpful and can probably clarify for you. I'd contact them to see what they think. I have ordered rigging from them in the past and they are a great source of information.

From what I recall, there is not a big price difference for wire/rope vs. all rope. I understand that modern rope easily replaces wire/rope for stretch and strength these days. Perhaps the biggest advantage to wire/rope now is that when the sails are stowed there is mostly wire exposed to UV and from what I have experienced a rope halyard is probably good for five years if you don't swap it end for end to extend its life. Of course you can't get a meat hook in a rope though. I have one now and it is unpleasant. I really need to shorten my jib halyard a foot to get rid of it.

 

[Delphinus]

Woody/Bob,
Thanks. Yes, unstepping will probably make everything a little easier and I will have a drill close by. Between the several meat hooks and the worn out rope, it's time to change these lines out. I like the idea of solid rope, but may look into replacing with wire/rope for the time being to avoid unstepping. Thanks for giving some more to think about.

-Darryl

 

[BobM]

Call Rig-rite. They are a Kenyon dealer and can probably tell you off the top of their heads that you are okay to go to rope right now.

http://www.rigrite.com/spars/kenyon_spars/KENYON.html

 

[Calypso]

My 1986 9.2c mast has sheaves that are ok for just rope. There are no grooves in them for wire only. Different boat, I know.

 

[BobM]

Good to know for my boat! I need to change my spinnaker halyard as it chafed this winter. Better order one soon!