How do I run spinnaker halyard outside the mast instead of inside the

[tudorsailor]

The spinnaker halyard presently runs inside the mast, then out through a sheave (if that is the right term for metal edged hole) to the block/pulley at the very top of the mast. I have been advised that for long distance downwind sailing that it is better to have the spinnaker halyard run up outside the mast straight to the block.

I wonder what the trick might be to do this. I cannot go up in the bosuns chair on the pole up halyard to re-route the spinnaker halyard as it does not go as far as the spinnaker halyard block. Not sure how to do this with a mouse

Thanks

TS

 

[Pinnacle]

Use the main halyard?

 

[tudorsailor]

Use the main halyard?

Not so easy with in-mast furling!

TS

 

[blackdogsailing]

Not sure I've understood this correctly but can you not go up on the present spin. halyard taking a messenger line with you, then attach this to the halyard between the mast and the sheeve. Then descend and the messenger line is through the block. No problem with having the 2 lines through the block at the same time.
Chris

 

[BlueSkyNick]

I dont understand why you want to move it from inside to outside the mast anyway.

 

[prv]

I dont understand why you want to move it from inside to outside the mast anyway.

Presumably the theory is that it might chafe slightly on the exit hole (which isn't a sheave) and after weeks rolling down the tradewinds the halyard would part.

I've not done that kind of sailing in yachts, but I believe it's considered good practice to haul or ease the halyard a couple of inches from time to time, to shift any chafe to a fresh bit. I've not come across the advice to switch to old-fashioned external halyards.

Worth also noting that external halyards are not preferred for going aloft on, because you're wholly relying on the block, shackle, eyebolt, crane, etc. Whereas if the fittings for an internal halyard fail, the mast wall itself will still support the line. I don't think I would use one without a safety line, which it sounds like the OP doesn't have. (To be clear, I'd always use a safety line if available, but if there was no other option I'd probably be prepared to go up on a single internal halyard. Not a single external one.)

Pete

 

[sailorman]

One would assume that the OP has a Genoa halliard

 

[tudorsailor]

I dont understand why you want to move it from inside to outside the mast anyway.

It is the advice from the world Rally. I spoke to an owner if an Oyster 56 who had his halyard wear so that the core broke leaving the cover.
When I go aloft I always use the pole up as a safety.
Thanks
TudorSailor.

 

[sailorman]

It is the advice from the world Rally. I spoke to an owner if an Oyster 56 who had his halyard wear so that the core broke leaving the cover.
When I go aloft I always use the pole up as a safety.
Thanks
TudorSailor.

Why not rig 2 Spi halliards if your concerned over chafe you will then have a spare all ready rigged

 

[tudorsailor]

Why not rig 2 Spi halliards if your concerned over chafe you will then have a spare all ready rigged

How can I have two spin halyards if only one block?
TS

 

[awol]

I am a bit surprised that an Oyster has such a paucity of string to the top of the mast. My wee boat has a main halyard, a topping lift, 2 Genoa halyards, a spinnaker halyard and the attachment holes on the mast & crane for a 2nd spinnaker halyard. I think I'd be worried about the lack of redundancy if there are only 3 ropes with 2 of them dedicated to holding up furling sails.
Get a rigger to add another block for your external halyard - there must surely be space on the crane - or swap for a double sheaved yin.

 

[sailorman]

How can I have two spin halyards if only one block?
TS

Some mast hd cranes have the option of 2

 

[sailorman]

I am a bit surprised that an Oyster has such a paucity of string to the top of the mast. My wee boat has a main halyard, a topping lift, 2 Genoa halyards, a spinnaker halyard and the attachment holes on the mast & crane for a 2nd spinnaker halyard. I think I'd be worried about the lack of redundancy if there are only 3 ropes with 2 of them dedicated to holding up furling sails.
Get a rigger to add another block for your external halyard - there must surely be space on the crane - or swap for a double sheaved yin.

My old Oyster is the same

 

[prv]

I am a bit surprised that an Oyster has such a paucity of string to the top of the mast.

I was thinking the same, for a boat that's apparently going to be crossing oceans.

Pete

 

[prv]

How can I have two spin halyards if only one block?

Add another block?

Pete

 

[knuterikt]

The spinnaker halyard presently runs inside the mast, then out through a sheave (if that is the right term for metal edged hole) to the block/pulley at the very top of the mast. I have been advised that for long distance downwind sailing that it is better to have the spinnaker halyard run up outside the mast straight to the block.

I wonder what the trick might be to do this. I cannot go up in the bosuns chair on the pole up halyard to re-route the spinnaker halyard as it does not go as far as the spinnaker halyard block. Not sure how to do this with a mouse

Thanks

TS

Could this work?

• Go to the top on the spinnaker halyard (bring a shackle and a line same length as mast)
• Put the shackle around the halyard between the block and the halyard exit (sheave is a block wheel) attach the rope to the shackle
• You should now be able to descend to the deck
• Put a mousing line at the end of the halyard
• Pull the halyard half way out
• Pull down on the line attached to the shackle (while paying out on both halyard and mouse line)
• Now you have an external halyard
• Secure both ends of mousing line so you can reverse the operation

This will put a little load on the mousing line so make sure it's properly attached to the halyard. I prefer to have a reeving eye at the end of all halyards - make it easy to pull halyards for inspection.

 

[DJE]

Why not rig 2 Spi halliards if your concerned over chafe you will then have a spare all ready rigged

+1

My Sadler 29 has an internal spi halyard as described by the OP. The block is suspended from a U-bolt fixed through the overhanging bit of the mast cap plate. On the opposite side of the mast there are two more holes for a second U-bolt.

 

[tudorsailor]

I am a bit surprised that an Oyster has such a paucity of string to the top of the mast. My wee boat has a main halyard, a topping lift, 2 Genoa halyards, a spinnaker halyard and the attachment holes on the mast & crane for a 2nd spinnaker halyard. I think I'd be worried about the lack of redundancy if there are only 3 ropes with 2 of them dedicated to holding up furling sails.
Get a rigger to add another block for your external halyard - there must surely be space on the crane - or swap for a double sheaved yin.

My yacht is not short of strings up the mast. There is Genoa halyard, staysail halyard, mainsail halyard, spinnaker halyard, pole up, topping lift and passerelle lift.

I will have to have a closer look when next on board to see if there is space on the crane for a second block. If not I will put a double block up instead.

Thanks for all the advice

TS

 

[prv]

OK, that is a lot of stuff

Out of curiosity, what's the white braided line coming down in front of the spreaders?

Pete

 

[tudorsailor]

OK, that is a lot of stuff

Out of curiosity, what's the white braided line coming down in front of the spreaders?

Pete

The braided line is the pole up which I keep clipped off at the base of the shroud. So yes it does rub on the leading edge of the spreaders. However when off the boat I lead it forwards to a pad eye with the spinnaker halyard too

TudorSailor