standing rigging

ggrizzard · Jul 1, 2014

J, the standing rigging should not be a problem from a number of sources including West Marine. Check out their web site for their capabilities. A local rigger should be sought for alternative costs comparison.
Direct sheave replacement, however, is a problem. Last year when I tried to replace mine, I came up with no off the shelf options. Choice was to remove and rehab or remove and take to a machine shop. The originals had accreted some oxide that was easy to remove then clean and prep for install. You may find the same, saving some coin.

woodster · Jul 1, 2014

jfurlong said:
My 1980 H30 has a "frozen" main sheave. All of the standing rigging is original. As the mast has to come down to replace the sheaves I plan on replacing all of the standing rigging as well as the lights and wiring. I have good mechanical skills but little experience with rigging. Other than adjusting tension my only rigging experience is assisting a friend install roller furling on a Catalina 27. I have a pretty extensive set of mechanics tools but no swage tools or experience in cutting or swaging steel cables. Is it possible to order shrouds cut to length with the hardware (eyes, turnbuckles, etc.) already attached, and can anyone recommend a source? I will also need to source the sheaves. If I can't order the shrouds cut and assembled I have already found a rigger to "build" the new rigging. Thanks in advance.

for the rigging SECO South in largo fl is the best bang for the buck just contact them and talk to Jennie or Ken

Stu Jackson · Jul 1, 2014

jf,

Yes, there are places that will make new shrouds for you. You'll need some measurements, but find out who does it and find out what they may need. A local boat yard will also be able to give you quotes for replacement. This is usually NOT a DIY thing to do. It's usually most $-efficient to have a yard do it anyway.

In the meantime, while they're doing it, you might want to rebed all your chainplates.

Good idea to replace the 1980 gear.

Good luck.

DianaOfBurlington · Jul 4, 2014

Any good sailmaker can remake your standing rigging for you. Phone ahead and see that they have the correct-size dies for their machine. This is one job that your friendly local sailmaker would like to do for you-- as opposed to your sending it to Big Blue and having little or no personal contact. Including the shipping, etc., it will be cheaper for you as well.

If you can hunt up the correct machine-swage fittings ahead of time, you may save more. Usually sailmakers can get good rates on these parts however.

As regards your frozen halyard sheave, it need not be an *exact* replacement. What matters most is the inside diameter, to fit your sheave box's pin, and that it has an Oillite bronze bushing in it. A little smaller on the OD (and I mean where the rope rides) won't inhibit you much. A little larger won't either, so long as it will spin (and I mean SPIN) freely.

Keep in mind that boats are not like cars-- you're not searching for the equivalent of a water pump for a '65 Skylark 300 without airconditioning. You're seeking something that works properly, meets the strength and size requirements, and is available from common sources.

(If the sheave is bronze or 6100-series aluminum, is fitted with the bushing, and accommodates the right diameter rope, it's adequate for the load. That's how these things are made.)

Remember to lube these sheaves (for clearly it's time to replace the others up there as well) with white lithium grease, preferably 'marine' grade (which apparently has some resistance to washing away in salt spray). Tef-Gel is the best thing for this and works very well but is very expensive.

standing rigging

jfurlong

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ggrizzard

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woodster

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Stu Jackson

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DianaOfBurlington

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jfurlong

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