When to replace halyards?

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Jun 2, 2004
5,802
Hunter 37-cutter, '79 41 23' 30"N 82 33' 20"W--------Huron, OH
Yesterday I replaced all five of my halyards with messenger lines. The jib halyard and staysail halyards were on the boat when I purchased her in 1998. I installed the main, spare, and spin halyards in 2000. Now having them here at home I wonder how to know if they need replaced.

I know from experience that a soaking in Tide followed by a soak in a softener will make them look and feel almost new. Four 110' halyards(staysail is shorter) will make a big dent in the budget. But maybe it is time to use of the newer ropes and get rid of those big and heavy 7/16" lines. Any thoughts?
 

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Joe

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Jun 1, 2004
8,324
Catalina 27 Mission Bay, San Diego
A 3/8 vectran core doublebraid... such as Yale Crystalyne http://www.apsltd.com/c-1617-Crystalyne-Yale.aspx is a very cool replacement for the original jib halyard. Strip the cover and splice in a "luggage tag" eye to really make your boat look slick. Wait to replace the newer halyards unless they're awful.

Stripped Cover

The simplest way to save weight aloft is to strip the cover off your halyard. We strip the cover from the head of the sail to the point just before where it's handled to be jumped in a hoist. From that point down we leave the cover so that the halyard can be handled and cleated.

Previously, the problem with removing a cover from a high tech line was that the core was not coated for abrasion and UV resistance, and loosely woven cores increased chances of snagging. Now, to meet the demands of performance sailors, lines like Crystalyne, Maxibraid Plus and Lite Speed are manufactured with tightly woven, coated cores so that covers can be readily stripped. Please specify your length requirements.

To ensure your specific rigging needs are communicated correctly, please call us at 800-729-9767 with your requirements.
APS Part Number: RIGSC
Rigging Charge: $19.00



12 Strand 'Luggage Tag' Splice

Applies to single braids (Vectrus 12, Ultrex 12 and AmSteel Blue) or the uncovered cores of strippable high tech double braids (Crystalyne, Maxibraid Plus) Basically, a large eye splice that attaches like a luggage tag to a suitcase handle. Use it to attach your halyard shackle for convenient replacement, or to securely attach a sheet directly to a sail's tack or clew, avoiding the weight of a shackle. Includes Whiplock™. This splice will consume two feet of line, so make sure your order your line long enough.
To ensure your specific rigging needs are communicated correctly, please call us at 800-729-9767 with your requirements.
APS Part Number: RIGEYE12S
Rigging Charge: $12.00 per splice
 
Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
Ed:

Generally the best way to clean lines is to use a mild soap like Woolite or something similar. Place the lines in a mesh bag or pillowcase. Wash/rise on cold/cold cycle. If you like you can use fabric softener (normal amount) in the rinse cycle.

Flake out the lines on a dry flat surface to dry.
 
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