halyard

[egregerson]

The surveyor suggested i replace the main halyard; fine. It's a 3/16" ss cable fused to a 7/16" line. My boat is an '87 E34. A few of the marina 'resident experts' suggest I replace it with a 100% rope halyard. Considerably cheaper and the sheaves don't get ground up by rope like they do with steel cable. Do you have any experiences or advice on this? thanks.

[RichardElliott]

I had Brian Toss, Rigger, replace my 1989 E34 main halyard with StaSet X because of loose barbs. It's only been on since late June, but I'm happy with it. Most riggers believe that the new low stretch lines are better than cable.

[FrankLanger]

The wire halyard on my Ericson 30+ was replaced by the previous owner with staset. It works well, without significant stretch and is much easier on the hands and the sheaves.
Frank.

[egregerson]

thanks; did you replace the sheaves at the same time; i would imagine the sheaves for the 3/16" ss line would be narrower than those for the 7/16"; or in any case after 20 years the original sheaves might need replacing anyway.

[FrankLanger]

yes, sheaves were replaced--a relatively inexpensive way to buy peace of mind.
Frank.

[keelime]

Another good reason for going with an all rope halyard is if you ever plan on going up your mast. With a cable/rope spliced halyard you have to rely on the splice to hold your weight. A solid peice of rope is much more reliable, especially with all the new rope technology.

[carlosthedog]

Good post. I am also in need of replacing my main halyard on my 1984 Ericson 30+. I had not thought of going entirely with rope. I am also thinking of replacing many of the other lines. Should I have a rigger just do it all for me? About what would it cost?

[FrankLanger]

Depending on your budget, if you have the money to spend, using a rigger may avoid you some headaches and give you peace of mind that it's probably done right. You might want to get a few estimates to determine cost.
On the other hand, I don't think it's that difficult to do yourself. You can get the line lengths from the original specs for Ericson boats (the Ericson owners website is very good and helpful), and a good chandlery or rigger can advise on options for what kind of line to use for each one you are replacing. Replacing the sheaves is not too hard, though you will have to be hoisted up the mast unless the mast is down for some other reason.
Good luck!
Frank.

[carlosthedog]

I've decided to replace the running rigging myself, starting with the halyards. Before I'm hoisted up the mast, I would like to have new sheaves in hand to replace the old. Does anyone know what size sheaves will fit on the mast of an 1984 Ericson 30+? Can I replace old wire sheaves with sheaves for 7/16" lines? What is the width x ID x OD of the present sheaves? Or are they all so different for these boat I have to look first?

[FrankLanger]

I don't have the answers to your questions, but suggest you post this on the ericson owners web site, where there are many knowledgeable owners, some of whom might have the details you're needing.
Frank.