I need to replace my rope & wire halyards in the next couple of days. The old ones have some meat hooks, and I need to send someone to the mast head for a new wind vane. Thought it would be polite to put on decent halyards first.
Was going to replaced with wire & rope, but would like to change to all rope.
After searching the site I can see all kinds of opinions on size & type of line. Do you have to change the sheaves for the 3/8 line?
I recently changed my main halyard. The line I changed out was larger diameter than the one I replaced it with (5/16) . (this is the original recomendation in the manual) Now raising the mainsail is much easier as the line slides through the cam cleat amd lead holes and pulleys much easier. I think the old line was binding in the holes and cleats. Going the other way (changing to larger diameter) you may find the line binding up.
Terry
doug, the manual states 3/8" line for the main halyard and i would stay with that size. these boats carry a lot of sail, and even though 5/16" may work, i like the safety and feel of a larger line. whatever you chose, get a good quality, low stretch line....jeff
Layline makes a combination halyard that replaces the wire with high-tech line. Eliminates the meat-hooks but still runs like wire and is low stretch. Might be worth looking into.
Doug : Everything on a C34 is set up for 3/8" halyards - DO NOT GO SMALLER !! You can get by going one size larger to 7/16", but you might get some added friction as everything is set up for 3/8" line.
Call Garhauer, as I can't remember if the mast head sheaves were the wire/rope type or just rope sheaves !! :think
oops, I did mean 3/8 and down from 7/16. Sorry I wrote from memory and did not get the maunal out.