Good morning,Would like to know what options I may have for replacing the roller(s) at the base of the mast? If possible, would like to replace them with a roller which has bearings but not sure if that is an option.Thank you.
Is your boat an early version with the black aluminum mast step? If it is I'm sure you could do this since they are very easy to remove. This job may include some custom machine work and I'm not sure why you would want to do it. I don't see a need for bearings on a halyard. I try cleaning and lubricating the old ones or may replacing them with similiar parts if they are bad. Mine work great after 21 years.
I have 1987 h40 #217 and to reduce friction on the halyards will probably replace the sheeves this season. We have an Isomat mast with B&R rig. One source of parts is Rig-Rite in Warwick RI, www.rigrite.com. They tell me the alum sheeves are lower friction than the plastic ones that came with the boat. They also have bronze bushings to further reduce friction.You need to measure the OD and ID of your sheaves. I got a helpful person the first time and my wife got a less helpful person when we called back at (401) 739-1140.
Rick,I have an '83 H34 with the Kenyon Mast and the black base with four sheaves. The sheaves have a 1/2 inch stainless steel pin. I found this pin was siezed in the aluminun base, but the sheaves turned freely. I decided not to replace the sheaves as a result of not being able to get the pin out. The same sheave is also at the top of the mast. They are aluminum with a bronze bearing. Rig Rite sells replacement sheaves, but they are expensive. If you are able to get them out, you could replace the bronze bushings on the sheave. You can probably buy bronze bushings at McMaster-Carr on-line. Good luck!
If those sheaves are stock Kenyon, then they are aluminum with oil impregnated bronze hubs. It's real hard to do better. But the mounting pin has to come out, one way or another. Once done, annual maintenance will keep them (and the skipper) happy.
But the previous owner of my H34 didn't do annual maintenance...so now I have a seized pin. I'll attempt to remove only when I have a good reason to. By the way, McMaster-Carr sells oil impegnated bushings for about a buck a piece...way cheaper than the $100 Rig-rite wants for the entire sheave.
I had an 83 H34 with the black base also. Try heating the aluminum ears that hold the pin. Slow gentle heating will increase the diameter of the hole more than the SS pin. Then with a good drift (slightly smaller than the diameter of the pin) you can drive the pin out.
The worst part of the H34 rig IMHO. In fact, it is the only thing I would replace. (except carbon fiber for aluminum) But once it's out, modern waterproof grease now ends that flaw.
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