New halyards going in

[DAVA390]

I'm going to install new halyards when I unwrap soon. Never done this before.
So, to install, do I:

A: cut the shackle off the old ones, then use them to pull the new into the mast from top down.

B: use the old ones to pull a messenger from bottom up to top? The main would come out up top, jib would come out forward almost to top (fractional rig).

How to attach old to new so it won't bind? Thin tie wire, duct tape, crazy glue?

The mast is down, still at home for the never ending winter.

 

[thinwater]

a. No need for a messenger line; use the old one. Better, because the diameter is the same.

b. Sew them together, end-to-end. One of the most secure ways is to place a whipping on the end of each, then sew about 4 turns as a loop hanging off the end (around the whipping). Do the same on the new line, interlocking the loops. This makes a nice flexible, strong connection. Wrap a single layer of tape to further reduce snags. When your finished, trim the loop and leave the whipping (needed it anyway).

Reaving splices also work nicely. Just pull out a few inches of core, pull the cover back up, and either bury the cover back into the line or sew it into a flat loop.

 

[Joe]

You can whip a Flemish eye into the end of the new line.... but heck, there's hardly any resistance... if there is, something is wrong... so you might consider just using a simple paper clip to hook the ends together, whip a little twine around the hook in area, and perhaps a single wrap of tape to prevent any possible hang ups... you'll be surprised how simple it is.. not too much tape, keep it slim and flexible so it will slide through the sheave box easily.

 

[DAVA390]

good replies, thanks,guys.

 

[mudtertel]

I would use ,bailing wire or paperclip, put a hook in each end.Push into line,then tape .Electrical tape works best . wrap upto 2" at each side,maybe a little longer.Go from Top down. Good luck and Happy sailing

 

[higgs]

I had good luck with seizing wire and tape to keep it smooth. Piece of cake. Like Joe says there is almost no resistance.

 

[DougM]

Just stitch the end of the new halyard to the tail of the old one and pull it through. It's actually easier to do with the mast up than with it lying on sawhorses. There is less chance of getting internal halyards tangled with one another. Then remove the shackle from the old halyard and splice it to the new halyard. It shouldn't take more than a half hour or so.