lost main halyard

[boblitbird]

I lost the main halyard trying to put on a new halyard. Any tips in retrieving a halyard down the inside of the mast?

 

[Jadedcrew]

What? The entire halyard is in the mast?

Shouldn't you at least have the tail still coming out of the exit?The only tip I have is to feed the new halyard from the mast head, and have some one try to hook it at the exit.

 

[Bob V]

A good tool to use to fish the new pull string

is called sash chain and can be purchased at most hardware stores. It is heavy and flexible so it can be easily passed around the upper sheave. Tie about 12 inches of sash chain on the end of a pull string and feed it in at the top of the mast.

 

[boblitbird]

halyard problem

Thanks for the ideas. I haven't been to the top of the mast yet as I was alone and it only happened yesterday but I am hoping the end of the new halyard is jammed at the top of the mast. The sash chain idea is great I'll get one today.

 

[Joe]

if you're going up the mast anyway.....

don't bother buying a sash chain. Just tie a fishing weight to some light line and feed it down the mast. Shape a piece of wire into a hook and fish the line out of the opening at the bottom. Now you have what is called a "messenger" line that you can attach the new halyard to with tape, needle and thread, paper clip.... whatever.... and you're good to go.