Halyard wire

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Bryan Morrison

Just one more question and I will take a break or change my name. When the main and head sail are raised the rope haylard passes the wench and the cleat. The sails are the original and I assume so is the halyard. It makes it hard to raise and cleat the sail. Do I shorten the wire or is there a reason and I just don't know? Thanks, Bryan
 
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John V.

Upgrade

It sounds a bit odd to me, although I don't have much experience with wire/rope halyards. I know some winch drums are designed to handle both, but I don't htink its a good idea ot cleat the wire. To upgrade, there are super new synthetics that are near zero stretch, so you don't need wire anymore. jv
 
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Richard

Halyards

It would be cheaper to shorten the wire end and swage a new eye in. Changing to all rope is easy. Depending on your rig type and boat year These measurements are good for mk2 and later. Main Halyard Standard= 108'-3/8" Tall = 112' -3/8" Jib Halyard Standard = 112'- 3/8" Tall = 116'- 3/8" Sta-set or XLS should be fine.
 
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Rodney Kidd

Weak Link

The wire to rope splice is the weakest area of the halyard. Most wire/rope halyards are designed so that the wire wraps around the winch and takes the load off of the splice. Much better to get rid of that wire and upgrade to some of the new low stretch lines. Rodney Kidd C-38 #297, Flying Bear
 
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Steve Franklin

wired

Whatever you do, DON'T cleat the wire! If it kinked AT ALL, replace it. Eventually, and probably at the most inconvenient time, it will break. Wire is okay if the system is designed for it. There is a lot to be said for all-rope halyards, but before switching to all-rope, be sure to check the masthead sheaves for compatability. If in doubt, have an expert look. Incompatability is an open invitation to Murphy, who always seems to be walking the docks. Fair winds!
 
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Jeff Walker

Wire works OK

Not to beat this to death but my '83 Cat 30 also has the original wire/rope halyard. The wire is sized to go around the winch with 5 or 6 turns so it doesn't slip. That takes tension off of the rope splice so it can be cleated to the mast without damaging that small cleat or breaking the splice. What I don't like is that the wire is very unfriendly to bare hands and you have to be careful relieving the tension and lowering the main or jib. Best of luck Jeff
 
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