New sails/running rigging

[blackcloud]

The sails on my 1998 Hunter 310 (UK sails) are looking a little worn. How long can sails be expected to last and is it a good idea to get replacements from the original provider--UK in my case. Also the sheets and halyards are all getting dirty and worn looking, is there a good way to replace the main halyard to insure you dont lose it up the mast leaving no way to get to the top. I have thought about taping the ends together but am afraid they might pull apart while pulling it up inside the mast.

Any recommendations about replacement sails/rigging are appreciated.

Blackcloud

 

[Dennis W.]

New Sails

Blackcloud, I replaced the main on my '99 H310 about 3 years ago, PO had not taken proper care of moderate quality OEM sail. Ordered through Sail Warehouse. There are many choices available from full service sail lofts to discounters and used sail distributors. Check them out and find what fits your comfort level for price and effort required by you. Replacing the prespliced halyard would require the use of a messenger. My method it to stich the ends with whipping line and needle and then tape with 8" of duct tape lengthwise. Have never had a failure of the connection.

 

[Steve677]

Paper clip and electrician's tape

Paper clip and electrician's tape.

As for replacing your halyards: Get a normal/small paper clip and bend it at the middle so that it looks like a letter S, more or less. Cut the end off your OLD halyard. Push the ends of the S through the end of the old halyard and the bitter end of your new halyard. Keep the ends close together and in alignment. (Your new halyard will have a new shackle on the OTHER end.) Bend the ends of the clip back down against the two joined halyards. Start about three inches above the joint and wrap electricians tape around the halyard, over the joint and about three inches past the joint. Don’t use a lot of tape, you don’t want a big fat mess of tape to try and pull over the sheaves. Have faith! Now go to the bitter end of your OLD halyard and carefully pull the old halyard up and through and back down the mast. You might feel a slight resistance when the paper clip has to bend a bit to go over the sheave at the mast head. Don’t go nuts and pull like an ape. If a gentle pull isn’t enough, haul the new halyard back down the outside of the mast and examine your joint before pulling it back up and trying again. I’ve done this several times with main and jib halyards and never had a problem. Pulling a little as the joint passes over the sheaves is the only scary part.