I need to replace all of the running rigging on my '74 Hunter 30 I can figure the length on everything except the main sheet halyard. Is there any way to measure the wire/rope configuration without removing it from the boat? Also, I'm assuming the only way to replace it is to tie another rope to the end of it and pull it through the mast. If this is the case I can pull a intermediate piece through the mast, measure the original halyard, tie the new halyard onto the intermediate rope and then pull it into it's place. I may have just answered my own questions if this the correct way to do this? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Replacing Running Rigging
- Thread starter Beau16545
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New Halyard
You are correct except on tying the intermediate line. Any king of a knot will not pull through the sheave on the masthead. I've had luck with stitching the ends together on the two lines then wrapping it with a thin flexible tape. What ever you do, it has to be flexible to make the curve of the sheave(pulley) at the top of the mast, while being thin enough to fit through the guide at the top of the mast and also strong enough to be pulled. Remember, if it comes apart and you loose the halyard, then it will be a call and money to your rigger. Good luck. SH
You are correct except on tying the intermediate line. Any king of a knot will not pull through the sheave on the masthead. I've had luck with stitching the ends together on the two lines then wrapping it with a thin flexible tape. What ever you do, it has to be flexible to make the curve of the sheave(pulley) at the top of the mast, while being thin enough to fit through the guide at the top of the mast and also strong enough to be pulled. Remember, if it comes apart and you loose the halyard, then it will be a call and money to your rigger. Good luck. SH
To put a little finer point on this; you can pull an intermediate line
through but make sure you do as Shell suggested - make a butt splice between the old halyard and your intermediate line and make sure it is flexible and fair. Butt the two and sew the two together with whipping twine, Spider Wire fishing line or heavy dental floss. If your intermediate line is small, then you can make a loop on it to sew thru. Spiral wrap around the junction w/ electricians tape to fair it - not too thick; pull the old out/intermediate in and secure. Measure your old halyard and repeat the process for pulling in your new halyard with the intermediate line. I've used cheap 1/8"-1/4" braided nylon, surveyors twine (a twisted nylon) and directly between the new and old halyards (but not one with a wire section).
through but make sure you do as Shell suggested - make a butt splice between the old halyard and your intermediate line and make sure it is flexible and fair. Butt the two and sew the two together with whipping twine, Spider Wire fishing line or heavy dental floss. If your intermediate line is small, then you can make a loop on it to sew thru. Spiral wrap around the junction w/ electricians tape to fair it - not too thick; pull the old out/intermediate in and secure. Measure your old halyard and repeat the process for pulling in your new halyard with the intermediate line. I've used cheap 1/8"-1/4" braided nylon, surveyors twine (a twisted nylon) and directly between the new and old halyards (but not one with a wire section).
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