Mast system upgrade time

[Apex]

My headstay needed to be replaced, so I am taking this off-season opportunity to pull the mast and take care of some things:

Sheaves: The jib halyard WAS still wire to rope. It was this, that tangled with the headstay, so I will replace with all rope. The PO replaced sheave pins with bolts, NOT a good thing. So new sheave pins, and new sheaves. These are 2", 33/64 wide (13mm) for a 1.4" pin. I was looking through several sources, and would like an upgraded ball bearing sheave if I can find it. Anyone replaced theirs?

Anchor Light: the masthead has a cast in surface for a flush mount light. I contacted Hella directly for mounting patterns, three #6-32 bolts are in 1.95" (close enough to 2") diameter mounting pattern? 2-1/2" base diameter. Wire throughway is 3/4". Mainesail: thanks for your recommendations on your site for dedicated fixtures. I am trying to find a source that is a direct fitment. Any other recommendations on manufacturers? I am looking for colreg approved

Spinnaker Crane: A bolt on addition, a slightly longer loop would be preferred to keep the block ahead of the headstay. What are sources for this? I haven't started looking for that yet, still lost looking for an aftermarket sheave.

Internal Halyards: There are four sheaves with a nice divider cast in. three were used the fourth empty. I presume it was originally external halyards and provided a main and jib only. Now I have opportunity for four internal... what have others used for layout?

Standing Rigging: local or Rudy for sourcing? I plan to inspect and replace only what is required, saving boat bucks for the other upgrades.

Mast Exit Plates: There are none, just grooves cut into the mast. The wire has already eroded some of the mast. I am looking for recommendations from those that have installed the same. Rollers, plain stamped stainless, what say ye?


I will need to figure out posting pictures....that should garner more interest.

 

[Apex]

^^^ yes that is a FHCS, and it is not only bent, but all threads are worn off the top^^^

 

[agprice22]

For pins, I use Online Metals. You can get all grades and types of stainless rod. I made some very nice 8mm and 6mm pins for my mast base sheaves.

Thanks,
Andrew

 

[Apex]

well, no luck yet finding sheaves online. DR marine is difficult to browse, so will need to call Rudy Monday. Anyone else replace sheaves, and what did you use?

 

[agprice22]

I measured the sheaves for my 272 mast when I needed to replace them. I then checked the various manufacturers: schaefer, harkin, etc, and found the closest sheaves. Shaefer marine sells many different sizes. I think I bought mine from schaefer. I made pins from stainless rod. I doubt you will find anyone carrying sheaves for an old mast. You can try rigrite. I have not used them.

Thanks,

Andrew

 

[jibes138]

Apex, have you tried to see if any of these will work? West carries Shaeffer and other brands. http://www.westmarine.com/search?text=sheaves

I'm sure anyone with a small lathe could make you up some pretty cheaply from aluminum or plastic stock.

 

[Apex]

yes, have tried rigrite and west marine: rigrite looks to have a wire/rope sheave that I already have, looking for bearing type upgrade, unless that is not necessarily an upgrade. What I found on Grainger or McMaster had lower load limits. Harken appears to be too wide, Schaeffer is close and will likely be modified to fit.

 

[woodster]

^^^ yes that is a FHCS, and it is not only bent, but all threads are worn off the top^^^

Defender will have the pins or SECO South in largo fl you can re-bush the shivs or get new ones from an outfit in washington state made to order for about 25 to 50 dollars each out of antel material i think its called

 

[Apex]

Thanks Woody: re-bushing is a great idea as well. so many options, now what to do with four lines aloft?

What is the drawback to running line over a line/rope type sheave? Judging by the articulate left in the groove, I would guess extra chafe caused by the groove edge.

 

[woodster]

Thanks Woody: re-bushing is a great idea as well. so many options, now what to do with four lines aloft?

What is the drawback to running line over a line/rope type sheave? Judging by the articulate left in the groove, I would guess extra chafe caused by the groove edge.

cant answer that at this time but i will be able to in about a year i am using the original ones that came in my mast head ...they looked good and i replace all of mine with double braid dynema core... only time will tell after all its not like they run 24 and 7 around the clock ( did Yogi Bera say this) ...and it gives me some thing to check on during my inspection activity as if i needed something to do lol

 

[tcwaltz]

Check garhauer msrine for sheaves. They can likely ale something for you as well or add bushings