OK the mast is down, the sheaves are fine and are sized for wire . Do I go for new sheaves to accept all line, go for spliced line of two sizes ,or go for wire to line ? 
Thanks all
Thanks all
Wire To Line Or All Line Halyard
- Thread starter Capt. Ed
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I prefer to just use line and not wire to line or two different sizes of line.
Personal preference though, so I would opt for replacement of the sheaves, so that I could have just one piece of material running the entire length of the run from the sail to the winch.
Personal preference though, so I would opt for replacement of the sheaves, so that I could have just one piece of material running the entire length of the run from the sail to the winch.
The all-line halyards are easier on the mast and rigging, lighter, stronger—if you go with one of the new high-tech lines, like NE Ropes T900—can be turned end-for-end to spread out wear/chafe. I'd go with new all-line halyards.
Just be sure to check the sheaves to see if they will accommodate line. Wire sheaves have a v-shaped groove, rope sheaves a u-shaped one. Also, check the exit slots and sheave housings to make sure there are no burrs or other damage that will shred the new lines.
Just be sure to check the sheaves to see if they will accommodate line. Wire sheaves have a v-shaped groove, rope sheaves a u-shaped one. Also, check the exit slots and sheave housings to make sure there are no burrs or other damage that will shred the new lines.
If your sheaves will accommodate all line, then go with all line. Modern cordage is very strong, has little stretch, no meat hooks and is lighter so less weight aloft.
One advanatage of all line is that it can be2:1 purchase
For boats not equipped with a winch all-line allows the use of 2:1 purchase by ecuring the end of the halyard to a pad eye near the top of the mast and a block at the head of the sail. About 3 inches of hoist are lost, but hoisting is easier.
For boats not equipped with a winch all-line allows the use of 2:1 purchase by ecuring the end of the halyard to a pad eye near the top of the mast and a block at the head of the sail. About 3 inches of hoist are lost, but hoisting is easier.
Many boats that had wire-to-rope halyards (mine is one) used masthead sheaves that accommodated both wire and rope. The reason being, on my boat anyway, is that with the sails lowered the rope tails ended up across the sheaves. So, you might possibly avoid replacing the sheaves.
I replaced my halyards with VPC from New England Ropes and I am very satisfied, except that the old "propane whip"doesn't work with this type of core. A plastic rope that doesn't melt! Who knew? Also, my rigger told me, "Good luck splicing that stuff." At present my halyard shackles are tied on with buntline hitches. Another economical choice for replacement line is Sta-set X parallel core polyester.
I replaced my halyards with VPC from New England Ropes and I am very satisfied, except that the old "propane whip"doesn't work with this type of core. A plastic rope that doesn't melt! Who knew? Also, my rigger told me, "Good luck splicing that stuff." At present my halyard shackles are tied on with buntline hitches. Another economical choice for replacement line is Sta-set X parallel core polyester.
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