Hi All, I am planning on running my external halyards on my Catalina 30 internal of the mast. I do not plan on running them back to the cockpit so the winches and cleats will remain on the mast (one on each side). My question is in regards the exit strategy around the halyards leaving the mast. I have 3 halyards (main, head and spinnaker). Should I cut 2 openings along side the mast above where the winches are and mount some type of block that exits the halyard from the side of the mast? If so, will that opening weaken the mast at all? Secondly, what type of block can I install in the cut-out for the halyard line to exist the mast? I can’t seam to find them anywhere – I am assuming most supply shops sell them. Thanks – Rob.
Internal Halyards
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Westmarine part number RF20711 "Single exit block with cover". It will not weaken your mast unless you put them directly across from each other on the mast. (make sure they are at differnt hieghts on the mast.) It really cleans up the lines. I don't see why you don't lead them aft to the cockpit at the same time. Makes for easy sail handling. Shane.
Westmarine part number RF20711 "Single exit block with cover". It will not weaken your mast unless you put them directly across from each other on the mast. (make sure they are at differnt hieghts on the mast.) It really cleans up the lines. I don't see why you don't lead them aft to the cockpit at the same time. Makes for easy sail handling. Shane.
Exit Plate
Thanks Shane - I looked that up. I also notice they have "Exit Plates" which is probaly what I need. The line just exist and continues in the same direction to the winch. I will probaly go with the plate - smaller hole too! Rob
Thanks Shane - I looked that up. I also notice they have "Exit Plates" which is probaly what I need. The line just exist and continues in the same direction to the winch. I will probaly go with the plate - smaller hole too! Rob
Stagger Openings
Stagger the two openings at least 12 - 18" in height or you'll weaken the mast too much in one spot. Also be sure that they are offset from the single one on the other side. I did this last spring when I added a spinnaker halyard. Got info from a local rigger. HTH Ellis
Stagger the two openings at least 12 - 18" in height or you'll weaken the mast too much in one spot. Also be sure that they are offset from the single one on the other side. I did this last spring when I added a spinnaker halyard. Got info from a local rigger. HTH Ellis
In addition to everything else so far, be sure to place the openings high enough up so that you will be able to reach up, grab the halyard and haul it down to raise the sail. If the openings are too low, you'll have a hard time raising the sail to the point where the winch takes over. Look at a few boats with internal halyards to get an idea of the correct placement of the openings.
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