Extending a halyard

[jaschrumpf]

Another of my spring projects I have in mind is setting up some turning blocks and line organizers to lead both my halyards to the cockpit for single handing. However, I've already discovered that my jib halyard is too short to make the run. Both main and jib halyard are wire/rope halyards, and in good shape, so I'd like to avoid replacing it if I can.

Would it be feasible to do an end-to-end splice with the braided line to add the eight or so feet that I need to complete the run, and maybe use a slightly larger sheave on the blocks than usual for 3/8" line to account for the spliced part?

[blt2ski]

"IF" you can get someone to do the splice, or obviously do the splice yourself, then I would go for it. Reality being, even if this splice is 50% of the rope strength lets say, you will not have much pressure, other than an initial pull of 4-6 up the mast before you are pulling on non splice line. This might also be a good time to use a different color for the end, to initial color code the different halyards.

BUT, some place will not work with older lines/ropes, as they become hard, and do not splice etc well. While the lines may look good, for a rigger type, they may not be worth the effort!

Marty

[btrayfors]

Yes. You want to use a "long splice". Look it up and practice over the winter. You shouldn't need to use larger sheaves.

Bill

[knothead]

blt2ski makes a good point. The first few yards you're not really loading the line up. So a constant diameter splice would be fine. Make sure you stitch it well. Here's a link to a video that might help.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpyhS7WEWSE

YouTube - end to end splice part two

To get closer to the full strength of the line you would need to do a different splice but I don't think you would need to worry about it with a hanked on headsail. If you have a furler and don't change headsails a lot, there really isn't much point in moving it to the cockpit.

[jaschrumpf]

Sounds like a plan. Thanks for all the input!

[py26129]

I did that exact thing years ago using a basic end-to-end splice (http://www.samsonrope.com/get.php?file=149) which is working to this day.

No alterations to the blocks were required.

Try it, you'll like it :-)

Matt