Do I need the Halyard Restrainer??

[Rag Doll]

This is a photo of the top of my mast on an Oday 28. With the new Roller Furling Sail I have do I really need the Halyard Restrainer to prevent Halyard Wrap of the Forestay? I know the Sail will stretch in time and the Harken Restrainer I have in place now as seen in the photo will either need to be moved up or do I really need it considering the amount of Furling tube exposed at the top of the forestay. Any opinions?

 

[Stu Jackson]

Have you read the Harken website? IIRC, it discusses the preferred/necessary angle for the restrainer.

 

[Rag Doll]

Stu,

Yes I have checked the site. The angle of the halyard would be parallel with the forestry which is acceptable but the best is with a halyard restrained. With a distance of just under 6 inches do fuller tube shown and future stretch of the new sail I was just wondering if the restrained was necessary. if you look at the photo the halyard is almost two blocked right now. thank you for your reply.

 

[Stu Jackson]

I understand. Is that a snap shackle up there? If so, you might want to reconsider and use a D shackle, smaller and could get you more room and be more secure. Do you have any "wiggle room" at the tack?

 

[Capt Gary175]

I pulled my mast and replaced all of my standing rigging when I purchased my Pearson in 2012. The rigger suggested I replace my halyard restrainer as it was very worn due to my wire jib halyard, so I did some research. I came to the conclusion that it may not be absolutely necessary, but it is designed that way for a reason. The halyard lead just didn't seem right for my roller furling without the restrainer. Just my opinion, but it doesn't seem like an expensive enough part to skimp on.

 

[Rag Doll]

Stu,

Great idea using the D Schackle. I never thought of that. It should get me 2 more inches. Thank you.

 

[Panta Rei]

I'm thinking over the same issues. I bought my boat with a new harken furler on it and an assortment of sails that were never cut for thIs boat. A restrainer was mounted very low on the mast , likely due to a short sail . My current sails came from a sister ship who's owner is a performance cruiser. I just called him last night about removing the restrainer. He says get rid of it but I'm concerned the my fulling unit is lower than his.
I hope to never experience halyard wrap . Harken says it's the worst case scenario .
I plan on moving the restrainer up 4 or 5 inches and see how the luff looks. I'll consider re-routing the halyard out board if I'm not happy with the luff tension.
I am vary concerned that the angle will never be large enough with out the restrainer so I will likely keep it but move it up a bit.
One last word from Harken. They recommend restrainers for all charter boats regardless of geometry . I like fool proof so I guest I like restrainers.