Masthead Sheave Replacement

[andantesail]

Hi, I own "Andante" PSC 34 #276. The masthead sheaves are frozen and may need replacement. I'm pretty sure it's a Lefiell mast with 6 sheaves. Anybody done this, and if so, is there an easy way to extract the pins without taking down the mast?

Thanks,
Karl
Andante PSC #276

[stevemac00]

I replaced my mast last year. The sheaves are simply held with a pin and cotters on each side. It's easy to clean and/or replace while on the ground when you can drop the pin vertically. Theoretically it could be done in place but I know I couldn't do it.

[niftynickers]

Karl,
The sheave pins are easily accessible thru removable covers over the ends of the pins.I question why all the sheaves are frozen.I wonder if replacement of the sheaves is necessary or simply a good lubrication of the pins would do the job.That would easily be doable with the mast up,and possibly worth a try first.
Good luck,
Dianne and Chuck Burke S/V NiftyNickers C37 #139

[smackdaddy]

anda - I went up the mast and replaced a couple of sheaves a few months ago on my C27. It's not that big of a deal. The hardest part is making sure you don't drop stuff. And make sure you have something to hold the halyard(s) in place while you work (if they are in-mast).

I'll be going up again soon to replace the others. Good times.

[arisatx]

Originally Posted by niftynickers

Karl,
The sheave pins are easily accessible thru removable covers over the ends of the pins.I question why all the sheaves are frozen.I wonder if replacement of the sheaves is necessary or simply a good lubrication of the pins would do the job.That would easily be doable with the mast up,and possibly worth a try first.
Good luck,
Dianne and Chuck Burke S/V NiftyNickers C37 #139

Karl:
The covers that niftynickers refers to are the grey anodized plates you can see here:


and here:



Should be easy to access, clean and free up.

[andantesail]

All, thanks for the info re the sheaves.
Karl
Andante PSC 34 #276

[andantesail]

Just to close the loop on this, I'll report that my mast, the original Lefille, has an access plate only on one side. Removing this plate reveals a round, hollow tube (about an inch diameter) upon which the three forward sheaves are set. The back three sheaves have the same arrangement.

We drilled a hole in the opposite side and managed to tap out the tube, then take out the sheaves. Tomorrow we put it back together, along with a new access plate for the new hole. The back sheaves worked fine, so they remain in their original situation.

Regards,
Karl
Andante PSC 34 #276

[arisatx]

Karl

Congratulations. Sometimes you just have to get in there and do it. Don't forget the Tef-Gel if you're putting SS fasteners into Aluminum alloy...

[andantesail]

Ted, yep. We got it back together and I've got rolling sheaves again. Now I won't herniate pulling up the main.

Karl
Andante PSC 34 #276