Need some help re: changing halyards on O'day 27

[Bill]

Need some help/advice....Purchased a '77 O'Day 27 and need to change the main and jib halyards. Both currently are rope to wire and the wire passes through the top of the main mast. The lines are shot.......the wires are not. If I purchase new lines of a 5/8" diameter.....will they successfully pass through the mechanism at the top of the mast or should I retain the wire and spice/bowline, etc., the new line to it. Am an infant sailor, however, am having fun with a great boat in great condition.......but I need someone's expert advice.Thanks so much......Bill on the Hudson in upstate NY

 

[lnranch]

new halyards

I would change out with all rope. The new rope haylard material is much better and will not scratch your mast. Just cut your old haylard and tape the new one to it and pull it through. I think 3/8 inch should be large enough. That is what I use on my O'Day 28.Good Lucj

 

[Mike]

Make the change

I recommend that you change to all-rope because the only reason for the wire in the first place was because the old rope materials stretched too much and it was hard to get the sail taught. The new materials are much better and stretch little if you get the non-stretch stuff. Furthermore the wire halyard will eventually wear the halyard sheeve till you must replace it.As "inranch" said just tape the new halyard to the old and run it through.Good luck,Mike

 

[Bill]

mike...........

how about the size.....I was given 5/8 inch rope.........will it pass succesfully over the mast........Thanx.........Bill

 

[George Chamberlain]

How I did it

I recently replaced some of my running rigging, too. I replaced my lines with the same size that was already there, which I judged to be adequate. You can look at www.neropes.com, they have a sizing guide to help you. I put the new halyard end-to-end with the old, ran a needle & thread through the two lines to join them, then taped over the join with electrical tape wound tightly. You can just tape it, but be prepared to drop the mast if the join comes apart at the masthead sheave. I wouldn't try a knot, at least on my boat I think that would certainly jam. I used sta-set x for my new halyards, and I like how it's performing. I did a previous replacement with double braid poly from <<coastalmarineonline.com>> that was supposedly low-stretch, but it was way to elastic for me.

 

[Bob]

Refer to a selection guide...

You do not need 5/8" line - 3/8" is best for halyards on most boats this size. The best thing to do is look at the sizing and selection guide in the West Marine catalog. Make sure you get a very low stretch rope that is usable for halyards. On my Oday 28, replaced all halyards with New England "Sta-Set X" and it works like a charm.Best of luck,Bobs/v Simple DreamsBelmont Harbor, Chicago