going to use messenger lines on my halyards this year to try and minimize exposure through the winter, wondering what is best to use in this instance. . . thanks for any input. . .
True enough. And since you aren't pulling the knot/splice through, a knot will do.Sorry, I guess I misunderstood the purpose of the messenger lines. I use my 1/4" lines to attach to the shackle that is on my halyards. I then pull the halyards up and inside of my mast for the winter. In this way they are not exposed to the weather and sun except for the last 3-4" by the shackle and for the 3 feet or so that are exposed between the mast exit point and my winter cover. The rest of the halyards are coiled and under my winter cover.
I didn't realize that the purpose was to remove the halyards completely for the winter. I think that would be a lot more work to create a secure attachment between the messenger and the halyard so that it doesn't part.
I just used some left over 1/4" line for a messenger on my CDI Furler halyard but it stops at the top. I'd be interested in how you splice your line so that it can get up and over the blocks to get back to the deck.
What if re running each halyard takes less than 5 minutes... (a Flemish eye on the halyard will save connection time?) If you set it up correctly it shouldn't take more than a minute to clip on the halyard, pull it through and secure. If you're spending 30 minutes changing out a halyard that you have set up for change, there's something you've left out.a. If a $200 halyard lasts 12 years instead of 8 years, I have to frog with it 24 times at 30 minutes each, I save $100 for 12 hours od steady work. I also have 24 chances to snag of loose the line. For me, the math does not work. Same goes for the rest of the rigging. I have other things to do.
This is my go-to cord for such things: http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/koch-industries-550-paracord-100-ft-lwondering what is best to use