Wire-Rope halyard replacement on C30

[Ron Koenig]

I am going to replace my existing wire-rope halyard on my 1983 C30 standard rig with an all rope halyard. Has anyone done this? Will I have to replace the sheave at the top of the mast? If so, what size do I need and where can I get one? The mast is up right now and this information would be helpful before I make my annual inspection of the masthead.I am also thinking of replacing with 3/8" Sta-Set X. Is this OK or should I go to 7/16"?I have ckecked the archives but the only articles are for 22' and 27'.Any help in this matter would be a big help.Thanks!!!!!!!!Ron Koenig"Playpen"

 

[Joe Luciano]

Mine are 3/8

I have an '87 C-30 and my halyards are all rope. I replaced them last year with 3/8" Sta-set X and have been very pleased. They run all rope halyards on the racing boats these days, so not to worry about changing from wire. My sheaves can't take 7/16", so I didn't go up on size. Mine has internal halyards and the sheaves at the bottom of the mast is the same size as the ones on top.

 

[Ron]

No changes in sheaves

I went all rope. I did not have to change the sheaves (3/8). Sure do like not having the wire to rope splice, and those nasty little sharp things that get you!

 

[Bob McIntire]

Halyard replacements

I replaced my wire/rope halyards (Main and Jib)last spring with 3/8 StaSet-X with no problems at all. In fact, I did it from the deck. When making up the halyards, I put a small flemish eye in the opposite end to facilitate attaching the cut wire. It was then just a simple pull through the sheeves. I really have been much happier not having to worry about "fish hooks" from the wire, and winching is much easier with all rope. I never trusted the wire when going aloft either. As long as you use StaSet-"X" you can drop in size to 3/8. Good Luck....

 

[David]

Official Line sizes

I just replaced 90% of the running rigging on my 86 C30. Here are the official specs from the original Catalina owners manualMain halyard---3/8 112ftMain Sheet 7/16 72ftJib Sheets 7/16 40ft/sideTopping Lift 5/16 20ftI have the other specs available if anyone would be interested. I'll check the boards in a few days.

 

[Dwight Miller]

Good Question

Ron,This was a very good question. I've been wondering the same thing myself and the responses have been very helpful to me as well. I've had the same concerns about trusting the wire to rope splice when going aloft, but being a pretty new Catalina owner (6 months or so) I didn't know if it was a good idea to replace with all rope. Thanks for asking the question.

 

[Ron Koenig]

Thanks to All !!!

Thanks for your response guys. This info. helps alot.Ron