How to replace main halyard on O'day 25

[Al Shaffer]

This may be a no brainer but I am totally new to sailing so I thought I would ask. I recently purchased a 79' O-Day 25. I have noticed that the halyard for the main is chaffed. The damage is to the sheath and the inner strands are somewhat visible. I would like to replace it but I have no idea how. Will I have to step the mast (which I really do not want to do)or is there a way to connet a new line to the old one and pull it through? Any help would be great. I understand this is a very important line and it is hard to describe the damage here but how bad does a line have to be before considering replacement? Thanks AgainAL

 

[Don Evans]

If You Got To Wonder, Its Probably Time

Besides its really not an expensive upgrade. To attach a new halyard, drop the mainsail, untie the halyard from the main and cut off a foot or so of the end of the old halyard. Bring the new halyard up to the old and butt join the two using a good quality duct tape, not a lot, as it has to pass over the internal sheaves at the top of the mast, just enough to tightly join the ends. You might also take a piece of whipping twine (dental floss works too)and sew a stitch or 2 between the ends, in case the tape fails. Doesn't have to be pretty, then tape the ends as mentioned. Now pull the old halyard up and through the sheaves at the top of the mast, and pull the new line through with it. Disconnect the 2 lines and away you go. Keep the old hayyard as a spare rope. Reattach the main to the halyard with a good knot.Don

 

[Brian Jarchow]

Check jib halyard first!

Don's advice is good, and the duct tape thing is what I do. But before you try that be sure the jib halyard is ready to haul somebody up the mast. Should the tape joint fail between the two lines the next best suggestion is for somebody to go up the mast in a bosun's chair and manually feed the halyard through. Of course, if you can't use the jib halyard and you lose the main, you will need another approach, such as unstepping the mast.When you do replace the halyard, unless the boat already has lines lead aft, you may want to have the new line cut long enough so one end can be at the gooseneck, the other end at the front of the cockpit, with intermediate line going up/down the mast and on the deck. That way, if you decide to install the gear to lead your halyards aft, you won't need to replace the line again.Have fun,Brian