Replacing wire/rope halyard

[Idratherbesailing]

removehtml]I've got a 1979 Gulfstar with a Hood Stowaway mast that was factory installed. The previous owner was diligent about maintenance, and most of the running rigging is new or in good shape. The jib halyard is a wire/rope type, and it works well, no problems. However, when it comes time to replace it, I am concerned that I will have to change to an all rope sort, changing pulley sheaves at the top of the mast and all that.Has anyone done this recently? I am wondering if there is some miracle rope I could use that would work without changing the sheaves, or should I just buy another wire/rope halyard and go sailing? I just use it for cruising, actually day sailing mostly...Since I am in New Orleans, our boats don't have their masts pulled reguarly, so changing these sheaves out might be a big deal, especially considering the lack of boatyard facilities (still, over 2 years later).Comments??Error: Error: expected [/URL], but found [/removehtml] instead[/removehtml]

 

[letterman]

go with wire rope

A. To go with all rope you will have to change the sheave.B. To go with all wire, you will have to change the winch.I replaced my wire/rope with a wire/rope. It works just fine. I tried a solid rope because I was told the sheave I have would work with both. It did not, but it is made for both...it is a combination sheave.

 

[Rick Griffiths]

Why Change?

I recommend staying with the wire rope combination. Wire rope halyards do not stretch after they are set, making sail trim easier. If you are concerned about obtaining a wire rope halyard, several Marine Suppliers will make them to order for you. Installation can be done by attaching the new halyard to the old one with a smooth splice and a layer of electricians tape (not duct tape) and pulling it (the old one) through the blocks, sheaves, etc. until arrival of the splice indicates that the new halyard is properly installed. The only difficult part is creating a smooth connection between the old and new halyards that will withstand the stress of being pulled through the various fittings and that does not increase the diameter beyond what will fit through the smallest sheaves, etc. that may be encountered.

 

[Mike G.]

Changing to all rope

Jim: This was just done on my Pearson 323. I had the boat yard do it, as I just don't have time. The yard maanager told me that the sheaves would not need to be changed if the wire had not worn a groove in the sheaves. Here is a decscription the of the completed work that was on my invoice:"Move mast from storage. Unite rigging. Remove main and jib halyards. Measure lengths of main and jib for replacement. Remove sheaves. Sandblast and inspect. In good shape. Reinstall.Splice new halyards and attach shackles and reaving eyes. Coil old halyards. Rereave new halyards into mast. Tune up rig and move back to storage."I think each letter typed into the work description cost me a hundred bucks!!!They used Sta-set line NE-2111-14. (not sure if the item code is their number, or a Sta-set number.I know some of you will jump all over me for a project that I could have done myself, but with work and kid's activities, there is no time. Good luck,Mike

 

[sailortonyb Allied Mis]

Mike : Good for you.

Sometimes I have more time than money, so I do it myself. Other times I have more money than time and hire it out. I still work so my time is limited. Most times It boild down to work on the boat or sail the boat. Sailing is the bigger priority.IMHOTony B

 

[Joseph Shirley]

Since you said wire/rope and not wire rope I understand that

your wire is spliced to a Dacron rope so it has both. I that is the case and your boat, and consequently your masthead sheave, was designed for both, you should have a sheave with a double groove. The first groove would be sizes for the rope and the 2nd, in the middle of the first would be sized for the wire. At least that is the way that I used to design them. So if you replace your wire/rope halyard with all rope of the same size as your current rope tail, you would not have to change the sheave. If however you go to a smaller high strength, low stretch halyard, of some diameter between the two, you should change it. On my boat the masthead sheaves have a simple through bolt for an axial pin, and the bearing is a simple bronze bushing pressed into the sheave, so removing the sheave is easy. Which type halyard you use is a matter of personal preference and the difference in the amount of stretch would not be noticeable inless you were a fanatic racer.

 

[Beooke]

wire to rope haylards

Is anyone familiar with Columbia C-24 masthead sheaves? She currently has wire to rope halyards so i was wondering if i could change to all rope without changing the sheaves. Has anyone ever changed the sheaves on a C-24 and was it a major task?Brooke