Measuring halyards

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David W

I think I know the answer to this question but I need to verify my thinking. I want to replace the wire & rope halyards on our Crown 34. What are feasible methods of measuring the existing halyard length prior to purchasing the new halyard? Run a tape measure up the mast with the halyard? (I have a 100ft tape), run a messenger up and pull the old one of and measure directly? This make me nervous due to the added risk of losing either the old or new halyard... Love to hear your methods... D.
 
Dec 3, 2003
2,101
Hunter Legend 37 Portsmouth, RI
If you know your mast height...

...then multiply it by 2 (Subtract 2x(height from the deck to the boom)) . Then add the measurement you can take from the mast base to the end of the halyard. Add 3' for good measure (get it) :D . .
 
Jun 2, 2004
3,648
Hunter 23.5 Fort Walton Yacht Club, Florida
I'd Use the Messenger

Using it to run the new halyard does not require you to cut the old halyard so you have it as a spare.
 

Alan

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Jun 2, 2004
4,174
Hunter 35.5 LI, NY
You don't say...

..which halyard, but the rule for a main halyard is 2.5 X mast height. Same for a masthead genoa. And 2.5 X "I" for the fractional rig. But I prefer what Rick Webb said. Run a messenger and remove the old halyard, but never use the old as a 'spare'. When they get old, use them as a tie down or anything else, but never as a halyard again.
 

Joe

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Jun 1, 2004
8,311
Catalina 27 Mission Bay, San Diego
three measurements.

and you might already know them. Hook the tape to the existing jib halyard and run it to the top. Then measure from masthead to tack fitting, and masthead to deck. The third measurement is distance to the cockpit. Add them up, allow a few extra feet for an eyesplice and you're good to go.
 
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