I am planning on going up the mast of my 1982 Hunter 27 in a Bosun's chair for the first time. I weigh 176 pounds and was wondering how much weight my halyard will safely hold. I don't want to be dropped from 36 feet to the deck! Thanks.
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You want two halyards.
Eric: You really want 2 halyards when you go UP the stick. Even if you only had 1/4" line you would probably have better than 1400 lbs breaking strength, but that is probably not the issue. This is just a general safety issue. Having a backup halyard in case of any problem is a good thing to do when you climb. I suggest that you tie a bowline knot or some other good knot with boat halyards. It is also a good idea to have TWO people hoist you up the mast, unless you are using a block and tackle setup. Then you really only need one person to take up the slack in the secondary halyard. It is a little scary the first time, but really not that bad.
Eric: You really want 2 halyards when you go UP the stick. Even if you only had 1/4" line you would probably have better than 1400 lbs breaking strength, but that is probably not the issue. This is just a general safety issue. Having a backup halyard in case of any problem is a good thing to do when you climb. I suggest that you tie a bowline knot or some other good knot with boat halyards. It is also a good idea to have TWO people hoist you up the mast, unless you are using a block and tackle setup. Then you really only need one person to take up the slack in the secondary halyard. It is a little scary the first time, but really not that bad.
Not to worry.
Steve is right of course. Check NE Ropes to see that there should be little to worry about. See "V100 Technical Data": 3/16" V100 = 2500#, 1/4" V100 = 4500# Unless your halyards are really, really, old.
Steve is right of course. Check NE Ropes to see that there should be little to worry about. See "V100 Technical Data": 3/16" V100 = 2500#, 1/4" V100 = 4500# Unless your halyards are really, really, old.
As an additional safey measure .......
......... I take the precaution of installing a new halyard just for going aloft and then put the original back in place. Use one to pull the other through. You just never know what the condition of the halyard within the mast is. A second halyard as a safety backup is a must. Good Luck, s/v Island hunter
......... I take the precaution of installing a new halyard just for going aloft and then put the original back in place. Use one to pull the other through. You just never know what the condition of the halyard within the mast is. A second halyard as a safety backup is a must. Good Luck, s/v Island hunter
Use 2 halyards?
Steve, Thanks for the response. Could you clarify how I would use the two halyards? I didn't understand that.
Steve, Thanks for the response. Could you clarify how I would use the two halyards? I didn't understand that.
Let me make an assumption.
Eric: Let me make the assumption that you only have two halyards (main and jib). What I would do is to use the jib halyard to climb the mast (this will be your primary). Then you will move the main halyard around the spreaders and attach it to your bosuns chair or climbing harness. The person cranking you up the mast will also need someone to take up the slack on the main halyard. If something where to happen with the jib halyard your main will stop the big 'splat'. You do understand that the main halyard needs to be tended to like they are hauling you up the mast with it? If you have any questions about doing this, find one of the marina rats give you a hand. Most owners have been up the stick at least once in their life unless they send the Admiral (that's the wife in most cases)
Eric: Let me make the assumption that you only have two halyards (main and jib). What I would do is to use the jib halyard to climb the mast (this will be your primary). Then you will move the main halyard around the spreaders and attach it to your bosuns chair or climbing harness. The person cranking you up the mast will also need someone to take up the slack on the main halyard. If something where to happen with the jib halyard your main will stop the big 'splat'. You do understand that the main halyard needs to be tended to like they are hauling you up the mast with it? If you have any questions about doing this, find one of the marina rats give you a hand. Most owners have been up the stick at least once in their life unless they send the Admiral (that's the wife in most cases)
Videotape it
In case things go wrong...I've entertained many in marinas I've delivered my mishaps to..and wish I had the tape. Mark Major, s/v Lesismor
In case things go wrong...I've entertained many in marinas I've delivered my mishaps to..and wish I had the tape. Mark Major, s/v Lesismor
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