My search on achives turned up nothing, so I shall throw it out and some of your old timers (like Dave) may have an answer...how often should one replace the halyards that run internal to the mast as found on most Hunters? I can envison a lot of problems replacing a broken halyard, even on a trailer sailer boat with a dropped mast. Mine are now going on 7 years and look fine, but have really taken on aluminum color from slapping around inside mast. Thanks all for your opinion.
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Steve
Take the first step now
If you feel they should be replaced, do it now while you have the time and everthing is in one peice. If not at least use a haylard to pull a messenger line through and leave for the time when you will needed it. I have not replaced my 95 H26 halyards, however I do have a 2 messenger lines in the mast, one for the VHF and the other for halyards as needed. It will be soon! My biggest fear is the keel halyard, as it appears one has to drop it slightly out to tie onto. Would be interested in hearing from anyone that has done this! Can it be done safely in the water? Good Luck.. happy holidays
If you feel they should be replaced, do it now while you have the time and everthing is in one peice. If not at least use a haylard to pull a messenger line through and leave for the time when you will needed it. I have not replaced my 95 H26 halyards, however I do have a 2 messenger lines in the mast, one for the VHF and the other for halyards as needed. It will be soon! My biggest fear is the keel halyard, as it appears one has to drop it slightly out to tie onto. Would be interested in hearing from anyone that has done this! Can it be done safely in the water? Good Luck.. happy holidays
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Paul Akers
Easy replacement
I replaced three halyards on my Legend 37 this year. I made the mistake of letting them rub against the spreaders during winter storage last year. Two frayed and one wore right thru. To replace them, start at the cockpit end. Butt the two bitter ends of the old & new halyard together and stitch them together. Wrap the seam and stitching tightly with rigging tape (keeping the same diameter/thickness). Then just pull it on through the sheaves. Easily done, Good Luck.
I replaced three halyards on my Legend 37 this year. I made the mistake of letting them rub against the spreaders during winter storage last year. Two frayed and one wore right thru. To replace them, start at the cockpit end. Butt the two bitter ends of the old & new halyard together and stitch them together. Wrap the seam and stitching tightly with rigging tape (keeping the same diameter/thickness). Then just pull it on through the sheaves. Easily done, Good Luck.
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Jay Hill
7 years old?
Wow, how do you do that? I replace halyards and all running rigging no less than every two years. Then again, I like all the running rigging to look brand new. I would think a 7 year old halyard (depending on weather and geographic location) are ready to snap/break/fray any minute. Paul's suggestions is definitely the easy way to go. If done often enough a messenger line may not be required. To reduce additional possibility of chafe and other damage, my halyards are never allowed to rest against the mast or other standing rigging; I connect them to either a stanchion mount or pulpit. Besides, I can't stand the banging in the wind when I stay on board. In fact, I'm trying to talk all the other sailboaters in the marina into doing the same thing; banging halyards is a "neat, romantic" thing for about 4 minutes. After that it's an annoying earsore. Comments anyone? Jay
Wow, how do you do that? I replace halyards and all running rigging no less than every two years. Then again, I like all the running rigging to look brand new. I would think a 7 year old halyard (depending on weather and geographic location) are ready to snap/break/fray any minute. Paul's suggestions is definitely the easy way to go. If done often enough a messenger line may not be required. To reduce additional possibility of chafe and other damage, my halyards are never allowed to rest against the mast or other standing rigging; I connect them to either a stanchion mount or pulpit. Besides, I can't stand the banging in the wind when I stay on board. In fact, I'm trying to talk all the other sailboaters in the marina into doing the same thing; banging halyards is a "neat, romantic" thing for about 4 minutes. After that it's an annoying earsore. Comments anyone? Jay
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Paul Akers
Clang! Clang!...
Obviously, clanging halyards do get annoying and I usually stow mine by attaching them to the toerail. But underway, the ones not being used will get in the way of other running rigging. So, I attach mine to the mast base (rings available) and use a sail tie, or the like, around the halyard to a shroud to pull the halyard away from the mast to eliminate chafe or banging. I'm always amazed at how many halyards clang in the marina. I feel sorry for the live-aboards that have to deal with it all the time from the boats around them.
Obviously, clanging halyards do get annoying and I usually stow mine by attaching them to the toerail. But underway, the ones not being used will get in the way of other running rigging. So, I attach mine to the mast base (rings available) and use a sail tie, or the like, around the halyard to a shroud to pull the halyard away from the mast to eliminate chafe or banging. I'm always amazed at how many halyards clang in the marina. I feel sorry for the live-aboards that have to deal with it all the time from the boats around them.
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Stephen Ostrander
halyards
I have in the past removed halyards and washed them in the washing machine when my wife wasn't looking. Use a mesh bag or they will wrap around the agitator and then you will get agitated. Use fabric softener to soften them up. If yours are 7 years old they probably are ready to be replaced unless they have had very light use. You can always tell the people who don't sleep on their boat. They are the ones with the clanging halyards.
I have in the past removed halyards and washed them in the washing machine when my wife wasn't looking. Use a mesh bag or they will wrap around the agitator and then you will get agitated. Use fabric softener to soften them up. If yours are 7 years old they probably are ready to be replaced unless they have had very light use. You can always tell the people who don't sleep on their boat. They are the ones with the clanging halyards.
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Bob McDowell
Clang, Clang
When I have been a guest in marinas for a long period of time I keep strips of old t-shirts and carefully tie offenders halyards off. I always try to contact the owners when they are there and apologize explaining that I was trying to sleep. I have never had an owner flair on me.
When I have been a guest in marinas for a long period of time I keep strips of old t-shirts and carefully tie offenders halyards off. I always try to contact the owners when they are there and apologize explaining that I was trying to sleep. I have never had an owner flair on me.
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Been there
"Ditto" what Bob said
Once, I even tied off a clanging halyard in a boat yard, when we slept over on our boat while working on it. It is a well-understood rule: if your halyards clang, those trying to sleep next door may tie them off.
Once, I even tied off a clanging halyard in a boat yard, when we slept over on our boat while working on it. It is a well-understood rule: if your halyards clang, those trying to sleep next door may tie them off.
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Dave Condon
Repacement
Between 5-7 years, I strongly recommend that you replace the halyards. There are some reccommendations already but let me tell you several things. First replace with good yacht braid that is about the same length as yours. You may have to swag it(Scientific wild ass guess) on the length. Please do not use polypropelyne as I saw on a Smacgregor. Next you can either run a messenger as one suggested or the other is to tie the two lines together per the other suggestion. Put a little tension but not much. If you are using a messenger which of course is a smaller line, make sure that you do keep some pressure on the smaller line or it will come off the sheave or turning block and then you do have some difficulty pulling the line. Merry Christmas to one and all. Crazy Dave (My daughter named me that)
Between 5-7 years, I strongly recommend that you replace the halyards. There are some reccommendations already but let me tell you several things. First replace with good yacht braid that is about the same length as yours. You may have to swag it(Scientific wild ass guess) on the length. Please do not use polypropelyne as I saw on a Smacgregor. Next you can either run a messenger as one suggested or the other is to tie the two lines together per the other suggestion. Put a little tension but not much. If you are using a messenger which of course is a smaller line, make sure that you do keep some pressure on the smaller line or it will come off the sheave or turning block and then you do have some difficulty pulling the line. Merry Christmas to one and all. Crazy Dave (My daughter named me that)
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Don Alexander
Halyards & Scrooge
Hi Dick, Here in England we use the concept of "End for Ending" halyards. This means that, if the halyard looks ok but may not be so good where it passes over the sheave when the sail is fully up, or has suffered in a rope clutch then pull a nessenger through with the old halyard. Cut the shackle off and re splice it to the other end and re reeve the halyard. It goes without saying that this must be done before the wear gets too bad. Also look very carefully at the point where it exits the mast when the boat is on its mooring. This bit is usually horizontal and gets most UV. Do all in good time as a broken halyard always needs a trip up the mast and difficulty in getting the new one through - hopeless to do this at sea and so safety will be compromised. After seven years they owe you nothing. Regards,
Hi Dick, Here in England we use the concept of "End for Ending" halyards. This means that, if the halyard looks ok but may not be so good where it passes over the sheave when the sail is fully up, or has suffered in a rope clutch then pull a nessenger through with the old halyard. Cut the shackle off and re splice it to the other end and re reeve the halyard. It goes without saying that this must be done before the wear gets too bad. Also look very carefully at the point where it exits the mast when the boat is on its mooring. This bit is usually horizontal and gets most UV. Do all in good time as a broken halyard always needs a trip up the mast and difficulty in getting the new one through - hopeless to do this at sea and so safety will be compromised. After seven years they owe you nothing. Regards,
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Gary Bridi
Clang Clang
I am in the minority. I have a H23, but charter 32-35's in the Chesepeake. The clang clang that I hear when I charter helps me sleep!.....anyway, my H23 is 7 years old and I am grateful for the comments regarding replacing them. I have a few months to decide. The mast is in my basement for the winter, so I plan to give the halyards a detailed going over. thanks Gary
I am in the minority. I have a H23, but charter 32-35's in the Chesepeake. The clang clang that I hear when I charter helps me sleep!.....anyway, my H23 is 7 years old and I am grateful for the comments regarding replacing them. I have a few months to decide. The mast is in my basement for the winter, so I plan to give the halyards a detailed going over. thanks Gary
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Rick webb
Cling, Clang, Boom, Zoom
Noisy masts do not keep me from sleeping either. I am also not bothered by the sounds of jets taking off and landing. I guess all these years of living on Air Force Bases have either made it easy to sleep with noise or perhaps deaf. If noise is a problem try some of those soft yellow earplugs made by a company called EAR. I have found that on long car trips I am very much less tired after using them. That constant incessant noise will wear you out. I mean the car not you dear. (in case my wife reads this)
Noisy masts do not keep me from sleeping either. I am also not bothered by the sounds of jets taking off and landing. I guess all these years of living on Air Force Bases have either made it easy to sleep with noise or perhaps deaf. If noise is a problem try some of those soft yellow earplugs made by a company called EAR. I have found that on long car trips I am very much less tired after using them. That constant incessant noise will wear you out. I mean the car not you dear. (in case my wife reads this)
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Steve
New Halyards
I just replaced my 10 year old halyards with heavier ones for my H-23. I noticed some chafe, but when I took them down with a light messenger, the main was chaffed through the cover at the sheeve contact point when the main is up. It could have failed any time, as the boat is sailed hard. A stitch in time saves a long motor home or a trip up the mast....
I just replaced my 10 year old halyards with heavier ones for my H-23. I noticed some chafe, but when I took them down with a light messenger, the main was chaffed through the cover at the sheeve contact point when the main is up. It could have failed any time, as the boat is sailed hard. A stitch in time saves a long motor home or a trip up the mast....
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Mark Kissel
One more comment...
Since many of us do trailer frequently, keep in mind that the jib halyard is used to raise the mast on some of these boats. This line is subject to significant loads during this procedure. My philosphy is "if in doubt, throw it out." A new halyard is a fraction of the cost of a new mast. Mark Kissel s/v Kittiwake H240
Since many of us do trailer frequently, keep in mind that the jib halyard is used to raise the mast on some of these boats. This line is subject to significant loads during this procedure. My philosphy is "if in doubt, throw it out." A new halyard is a fraction of the cost of a new mast. Mark Kissel s/v Kittiwake H240
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G. Ned Christensen
Detail on end to end
I have a '95 H26 and am planning on replacing the halyards this Spring. A little more detail on how to stitch or attach the old halyard to the new one would be appreciated, as I have not done it before. Sidebar: I sleep on my boat a lot and don't like halyard clank. Pehaps a recording of the clanking would be helpful for those who like it. Just keep the volume low. Ned Christensen Second Wind
I have a '95 H26 and am planning on replacing the halyards this Spring. A little more detail on how to stitch or attach the old halyard to the new one would be appreciated, as I have not done it before. Sidebar: I sleep on my boat a lot and don't like halyard clank. Pehaps a recording of the clanking would be helpful for those who like it. Just keep the volume low. Ned Christensen Second Wind
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peter iversen
i use the front stay as it is stiff enough to be pushed through the mast (when down), hook on the new halyard and pull out. saves fussing with messenger lines.
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Dave Condon
line hole
One person has asked how to feed small line through the end on one line. You can use a medium phillips head screwdriver to make a hole and also push the line through. Crazy Dave One other thing, can you hear the halyards clank on this forum?
One person has asked how to feed small line through the end on one line. You can use a medium phillips head screwdriver to make a hole and also push the line through. Crazy Dave One other thing, can you hear the halyards clank on this forum?
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Jay Hill
Detail for Ned and a little Clanging Note
Ned: I use nylon webbing thread and a needle to tie the two lines together on four evenly-spaced sides of the line then tie a little note in the thread to keep it from coming out. Takes about a minute to do but is very strong and has never fouled. Naturally, you want to butt the two ends together closely. Do not leave very much space as that may causing fouling over the sheave. When you have the new line through, simply cut the webbing thread and you are through. The old line almost always makes a good heaving line, dockline (for nasty pilings or other remote locations), or something. If it's not too old, and obviously the correct length it could be used as a spare. Rick and Gary: I slept directly under the Jet Blast Deflector (JBD) Hydraulic control room one floor under the flight deck of an aircraft carrier for about three years worth of seatime. You'd think I'd be deaf or could sleep in any conditions. If tired enough, yes, but in the relaxing state of recreational boatness, the only noise I prefer to hear is wind. I guess my ears are recovering from all the jet noise after all. I like Ned's tape recording idea, I'll make one at our marina and post it somewhere. (I've tied these guys halyards off several times. Every time they go race or even show up at the boat, they change them back to clanging mode so there's plenty of noise to be had.) Shock Cords to all and to all a Good Night('s sleep) Jay
Ned: I use nylon webbing thread and a needle to tie the two lines together on four evenly-spaced sides of the line then tie a little note in the thread to keep it from coming out. Takes about a minute to do but is very strong and has never fouled. Naturally, you want to butt the two ends together closely. Do not leave very much space as that may causing fouling over the sheave. When you have the new line through, simply cut the webbing thread and you are through. The old line almost always makes a good heaving line, dockline (for nasty pilings or other remote locations), or something. If it's not too old, and obviously the correct length it could be used as a spare. Rick and Gary: I slept directly under the Jet Blast Deflector (JBD) Hydraulic control room one floor under the flight deck of an aircraft carrier for about three years worth of seatime. You'd think I'd be deaf or could sleep in any conditions. If tired enough, yes, but in the relaxing state of recreational boatness, the only noise I prefer to hear is wind. I guess my ears are recovering from all the jet noise after all. I like Ned's tape recording idea, I'll make one at our marina and post it somewhere. (I've tied these guys halyards off several times. Every time they go race or even show up at the boat, they change them back to clanging mode so there's plenty of noise to be had.) Shock Cords to all and to all a Good Night('s sleep) Jay
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Tom
Butt together with a tie-wrap
I have replaced halyards by butting the end of the old to the new and securing with a thin tie wrap. Check out the artwork! | | <-- old line ( ) <-- Tie wrap | <-- New line | Good luck, Tom
I have replaced halyards by butting the end of the old to the new and securing with a thin tie wrap. Check out the artwork! | | <-- old line ( ) <-- Tie wrap | <-- New line | Good luck, Tom
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