Spinnaker Halyards: Internal vs external mast routing

[mentalfee]

I will have the rig down this fall and am planning some changes such as internal routing of my main and jib halyards in the mast.

Does anybody have any opinions about internal routing of spinnaker halyards? I am seeing both options on boats in the marina.

It is a masthead rigged Lefiell mast with double spinnaker bails.

Thanks

[sailingdog]

External halyards are easier to setup, but add windage. Internal halyards are harder to setup but don't add windage. Your choice really—six of one, half-dozen of the other.

[sailingfool]

Internal is preferrable if you can get a clean run at both exits, so there is little friction in the operation of the halyard - you want it to go up and down easily, and it carries a heavy load. Although all other lines are internal, I did run our spinnaker halyard externally to ensure trouble-free operation and to permit a crew member to jump the halyard when hoisting.

[Sailormann]

It might be easier to have it external. Unlike the main and (roller-furled) jib, the spinnaker is detached from the halyard each time it is used, hence the chance to lose it inside the mast is greater than is the case with other halyards. It's also easier to play around with it when it's external. Occasionally the sheet and guy can get loose at the same time and the spinnaker can get caught up in your shrouds or wrapped around your forestay, or foredeck crew...and it helps to be able to loosen the whole mess...