replacing halyards with mast stepped

[Herschel]

I have ordered new halyards for my '98 26X. I keep it at a marina slip and plan to replace the old halyards without lowering the mast because it is a pain to do and hard to get to the top of the mast even when lowered. It's over the water. I think I can attach new to old and run them through the blocks. Here is my plan. When I get the new halyards from BWY, I'll take them to the slip with some sail twine and a needle. I'll wrap the bitter end of both old and new with the twine and actually sew in a few stiches from old to new keeping the diameters lined up. I'll use one wrap of guerilla tape to keep the joint smooth and reinforce the stitches. After the new are in place, I'll cut off the sail twine, stow the old halyards below, and I'll be all set. What could go wrong?

[NiceAft]

As I see it, the only challenge to your plan is how stiff it will be where the two ends are combined. Will it be flexible enough to pass around and through the block? Flexibility will be the key. If it’s too stiff, pulling too hard can overpower your handiwork.

[Russ]

That's how I would try to do it. Just make sure the tape isn't too thick to pass through the block. Easy when passing through.

[Stickinthemud57]

You might also consider using about one foot of smaller line to join the two halyards together, creating less bulky and more flexible joints.The transition at the joint between the feeder line and the new halyard should be eased with tape (i.e. rigging tape or electrical tape - smooth, thin, and flexible) so as to avoid having the tip of the halyard from catching on the edges of the pulley.

[NiceAft]

Herschel,

Three slightly different answers, and all identify the potential problem area as the block. Please let us know the solution.

Thin, flexible tape, wrapped around two stitched ends, and both are connected by a short, thin line.

[Herschel]

Herschel,

Three slightly different answers, and all identify the potential problem area as the block. Please let us know the solution.

Thin, flexible tape, wrapped around two stitched ends, and both are connected by a short, thin line.

Nice ideas. I am thinking that wrapping the sail twine around a very small but strong feeder line on both the old and the new plus the stitching between old and new might be better than any tape at all. I'll take a pic of my rig before I try to use it and get some feedback. Thanks, Might even experiment with similar lines and similar blocks. And see how it works.

[NiceAft]

Post instructional videos on YouTube. Herschel’s 1, 2, 3, How To’s.

[leefrankpierce]

For a different reason, I was planning on setting up the boat with the engine towards the dock and lowering the mast so I could work on it.
With a calm day and some long mooring ropes, I imagine being able to adjust the boat to bring the top of the mast to the location I need.

[NiceAft]

I believe that would also work. Are you on a finger slip?

[Be Free]

I've done the same in order to fix a problem with my anchor light. I think I still needed a step ladder to reach the top of the mast from shore but it was a lot easier than any alternatives I had a the time.

[rsvpasap]

I would cut the ends of the lines off flush and use a Speedy Sticker to sew them together so they can pass through the blocks with no problems. The wax coated twine that comes in the package with the Speedy Stitcher is more than strong enough for this job. Alternatively, you could use sail thread.

[Interim]

if you are handy with marline and a needle, tie a loop on one bitter end and do the same on the other halyard, but with the loops intersecting. This is similar to whipping a line, but you are left with a free loop on the end.

It is strong, flexible, and no bigger diameter than the halyard.

--interim

[leefrankpierce]

I believe that would also work. Are you on a finger slip?

Have to admit I am not sure what a finger slip is, but I imagine yes.
Is this a finger slip ?
As far as the height, I suppose I can walk the mast to its normal travel location to get the top closer to the boat and lower to the walkway.

[Stickinthemud57]

Yes, I am pretty sure that is what the term "finger slip" would mean; a slip on a finger, as opposed to one where you would secure your boat parallel to the main pier rather than perpendicular.

With a finger slip, I am assuming the idea is to bring the boat in stern first and lower the mast enough that you can reach the top pulley from a ladder, something that I have done in the past.

That said, if that is a viable option, I would suggest it be your "Plan B". Try attaching the old and new halyards together in one of the manners suggested in this thread. If it doesn't pan out, sigh, get your ladder, and do it the less easy way.

[NiceAft]

Yes, that’s a finger slip.
Doing both options may be even better.

Stitching the two lines together, but have someone pulling the halyard while you are on either a step stool or short A Frame ladder physically helping the liners through the block.