Quote:
Originally Posted by sailingdog
You don't need to have an exit sheave to lead halyards aft. It can be done with exit slots and properly mounted/located turning blocks on deck. Using a mast exit sheave limits the location and direction you can run the halyards aft to.
|
What you describe is fine for a spinnaker halyard, and in fact the way the rigger set up the spinnaker halyard on my boat.
But I do not feel that is a good way to route a main or jib halyard, due to the fact both these halyards are always trimmed with load on them. That load running thru exit slots will cause friction and chafe, to some degree, regardless of how smooth the exit plate is designed and how accurately it is positioned. If the halyard turning block is attached to the mast plate, directly below the mast head, so everything is inline (mast head sheave, exit slot, turning block...not easy to do) that wear can be minimized, but the further the turning block gets from the base of the mast, the greater friction and chafe will be introduced to the operation fo the halyard. Who wants to be trimming a main/jib halyard that has a bend in it other than a sheave or block?
Can be done...yes..workable...maybe. Something to do as a one time DIY, not a good idea, especially with all rope halyards.