swollen halyards

[autigr]

I recently aquired a 1898 Hunter 18.5 and when out last weekend I discovered that the braided loop ends of both the jib and main halyards are to large to enter the sheaves on the mast. Hence I can't raise either the jib or the main fully. I'm afraid to force the line into the mast using the winch for fear that it will bind and I won't be able to get the sails down again. I suspect the lines have swollen with age and moisture. Anybody else have this experience?? Any solutions other than replacing the halyards?Thanks,Jeff

 

[Steve O.]

whoa!

An 1898 18.5! Those halyards are over 100 yrs. old! Seriously, though, it sounds like a PO installed the wrong size and they are binding up in the sheaves. Best to replace.

 

[autigr]

oops

Oops - Monday morning fingers still asleep at the keyboard... closer to 1989 boat.Jeff