I have some messenger lines rigged inside my mast as seen in the picture. The gray line going up is the boom topping lift, next to it are two very thin messenger lines with a different color tracer in each. I don't know where the other end of those lines are. I suppose they could be tied to something heavy that is at the top of the mast, so that when I untie them the other end would come down? Is this typical or would you expect something different? I want too use them to run a new spare halyard. Thanks for any insights.
How are mast messenger lines rigged?
- Thread starter TropicalSeattle
- Start date
I can almost guarantee that the messenger line is tied off at the masthead. It is not designed to save you from going up the mast, just to give you a clean run through it.
Thank you, that is what I feared. Time to go hire a braver soul, that will do it without a spare halyard. Out of curiosity, what is the downside of doubling the messenger line and having both ends tied down below? I suppose running that line wouldn't be reliable without climbing anyway? Trying to figure out if I can do better when I add the replacement messenger line.
Sure. Those lines were really run by the spar manufacture as a professional courtesy for the rigger. A rigger who will first rig the boat with the mast down. Anyway for internal halyards, there is no way to have it go up and down without the down run coming down the outside of the mast. Not a great idea.
Our First 36.7 came with the 2nd spin halyard un-run. The messenger line was as I described.
@TropicalSeattle, I have the same set-up on the same model boat, maybe even the same year. How did you end up rigging a spare halyard?
You should have at least a topping lift and the jib halyard. Two lines would be sufficient to climb the mast safely.