Haylards

[Roy10289]

My boat is a 1995. I have visually inspected the halyards and can see no abrasion or wear. Would people here replace them as general upkeep? I believe that they are the original halyards.
I don't want to waste money but at the same time don't want to be unsafe. Please advise.....

 

[tommays]

We have just had the ends re-spliced IF they were showing any wear in the shackle area

BUT they also get removed ever winter cleaned and stored out of the weather

I would think up in Plattsburgh they see a LOT less UV and use than down if Florida

 

[Benny]

I just replaced ours after 9 years as we needed to get someone up the mast and did not want to take any chances. I was mostly concerned with the portion of the main halyard that remains exposed at the top of the sheave when the sail is down and remains hidden inside the mast, unable to inspect, when the sail is up. After replacing and washing the old halyard it was determined it was in very good shape and will go backup as a spare one. I don't worry about the headsail halyard as if it fails it can be easily replaced by going aloof. We had the strap on the top of our headsail break mimicking a halyard failure and the sail did not drop down and we were able to furl it. Went half way up the mast and with a boat hook was able to catch the shackle and bring it down. The straps and UV cover were replaced on the sail.

 

[Ron20324]

It is usually a good idea to swap the halyards end-for-end every couple of years. You could do it every year if you take them off to clean and store them yearly. Tie a smaller rope/string to the halyard, pull the halyard to get the string. Remove the one end of the halyard, tie the other end to it and pull it back through. Measure the halyard so you know what you need to buy the next time.