How do I run a new main halyard?

[DStegs49]

I have a legend 37 and over the winter the wind and ice caused one of my main halyards to chafe and separate. I want to replace it but haven't been able to get a chase line down the mast close enough to grab. It gets stuck (?) or blocked by something about 2 feet above the exit sheaves. Is there some sort of restriction there or a plate lining up the lines and wires in the mast or could it be just a bundle of wires with the connectors blocking it. I tried it with the new halyard with a 6 inch section of bicycle type chain for weight, and I also tried an electricians snake. They both got stuck or stopped in the same place. I am open to ideas because I am not looking forward to the bill to have the mast removed to do this. Next I'll be taping off all the openings I can find and vacuuming a light line or thread down to see if that works. I replaced one already by sewing the ends together and pulling the new one through using the old one. Any other suggestions?

 

[Benny17441]

I was once successful running a fishing line with a weight at the bottom; they are quite limber and able snake around obstructions. An alternative would be to drill a hole and insert an inspection probe to determine the nature of the obstruction. The sell a cheap but adequate Digital Inspection Camera for around $75 at Harbor Freight. Cutting a small port on the mast to get at the line at the point of obstruction would be another option.

 

[Joe]

My guess is there is a slice of foam, or a couple of cable ties, that a previous owner slipped up there to keep things from slapping around. It could also be the conduit for the electrical wires.... ???? I'd try renting a digital inspection camera to take a look, seeing if it's possible to guide the new line through, or remove the obstruction entirely. Good luck.. what a pain.

 

[DStegs49]

I know it's been a while since my post and your responses but I think the digital inspection camera would be my next choice. I'm just glad the boat had 2 halyards when I got it. One was probaby the topping lift or part of the dutchman. I don't see the need to put an extra hole in the mast because I think I can get it through the sheeves where the halyards enter. Thanks.

 

[jssailem]

I am not looking forward to the bill to have the mast removed to do this.

Sounds like you have put up with the problem since 2018. If the boat was built in 1987, you might consider the mast take down is due. How old is the standing rigging? Are you planning on sailing the boat a few more years? Do you ever get caught on Lake Michigan with a thunderstorm bearing down on you and wonder if the rigging (at 33 years old) can survive the weather?

This might be a perfect time to have the mast on the hard for a while, check the corrosion on all the fittings, fix the nasty halyard issue, and what ever other discoveries may occur. Once serviced the mast and rigging could last you another 20.