Changing the halyard from wire to rope

[jbondy]

I had a tapered halyard made as described in Gary M's post. Our sheaves were fine, so we've had no problem with that approach. But if you do replace them, it is not hard to do. I removed mine to clean up and lubricate the pin that serves as the axle. They come out easily - mereley remove a cotter pin. IRMV

[gimmellsdad]

I figured it was as easy as that to change the sheaves. I'm sure once I'm up on the bosin's chair I'll find something I didn't think about beforehand.

[Beersmith]

I am facing a similar situation on my boat. I would like to replace the current hire/rope halyards with all rope, and expect to have to replace the sheave as well. All of the current halyards are so dry rotted that going up the mast on them is a very scary idea.

I feel like my only option is to just replace it with another wire/rope halyard until I can upstep the mast?

[canadianseamonkey]

Is your current set up wire that leads into a rope or just wire?

[jarcher]

How do you guys calculate the needed halyard strength based on the sail area?

[Beersmith]

Originally Posted by canadianseamonkey

Is your current set up wire that leads into a rope or just wire?

the current setup is wire spliced into rope.

[zz4gta]

pretty much any modern low stretch material that fits in a rope sheave will have enough strength. There are lots of sites that recommend running rigging.
Running Rigging Calculator

Samson Ropes Selection Guide at Mauri Pro Sailing

[jarcher]

Wow, looks like 3,000 pounds is all a jib or main halyard needs. I just thought it would have been more.

[canadianseamonkey]

Originally Posted by Beersmith

the current setup is wire spliced into rope.

Then the new size of rope you need would be the same size as the one the wire currently goes into....no? That rope goes through your sheaves doesn't it? I worked for me when I did the change over.

[gimmellsdad]

Thanks for all your responses. After LOTS of research and even more great advice here, the missus and I are looking at either this choice.

Amsteel Blue, Winch Line, Rope, ATV winch lines

It's a Canadian Manufacturer which is a plus as well.

Or someone local in BC that I can pick some Spectra from while I'm still here.

Looks like we're taking the advice here too. We're going to change the sheaves to probably accomodate a 5/16" 12 strand line.

So that means up the bosins chair to measure and take out existing sheaves. Over to the local Marine Supply store to buy said sheaves. Back up the bosins chair to install those newly purchased sheaves and then ready for the halyards.

Thanks for the make work project everyone

No really....thanks !

Cheers,
Bobby