Is it worth keeping old halyards?

[chubby]

I have changed most of my running rigging so have the old lot but also a full set of docklines, including heavy duty with compensators on, plus some spare, so is it worth keeping old running rigging as "just in case" or clear out to keep the locker space?

 

[Aurai]

My personal view is get rid. Keep the right lines for the job. You see plenty of make do and mend lines in use and to me you may save pennies, but compromise some part of your sailing at a critical time. Thanks

 

[vyv_cox]

If you sail in UK or elsewhere that berthing is straightforward there is little reason to keep them. In Greece we often need to be very inventive berthing in unusual circumstance. I carry a length of large link chain that I have needed to string between bollards far away, using a link as my dock loop. Additional decent lengths of rope are often invaluable.

 

[Stemar]

I'd keep a couple of bits because a bit of spare rope always comes in handy, but get rid of the rest. Halyards are no good as mooring lines as they have no elasticity - or if they do, you picked the wrong lines for your halyards

 

[Boathook]

I used to use old halyards as mooring lines once the damage bit was removed. I keep a few halyards on board just in case one breaks and also use them as 'mousing' lines for the winter. I now have a reasonable set of mooring lines though being nylon tend to go a bit stiff ....

 

[Deleted member 478]

Donate them to your local Sea Scouts.

 

[wonkywinch]

Turn them into dog leads and sell them for £30 each

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1203266121/upcycled-boat-rope-dog-lead

 

[Refueler]

Unless the rope is worn and abraded - I will always re-purpose rope ....

All my halyards that I changed a coupler years back on my SR25 are now doing good service as service lines ... such as towing my pontoons into place ... short and long mooring lines ....

Whether you trust it or not - there is a purpose it can do ... the matter is you choose what job and whether risk is high enough.

Generally in the under 30ft boat category - often the halyards are far more than really needed ... usually changed not due to wear and tear - but due age .. yes you may have an abraded part where is tends to sit over a sheve or into mast etc. - but that is cut out and still you have a reasonable serviceable line.

 

[Thistle]

I favour keeping them. Not as docklines, though, as halyards don't have the stretch I want to reduce snatch in mooring lines. Halyards often find good use for securing loads on trailers.

 

[ctva]

I've never thrown out any rope, climbing, sailing or other that is not knackered. There is a never ending use for old rope either in original length or cut for multiple uses.

Although one of my pet hates is when some use old static lines (halyards for example) as mooring lines and they then squeek and jerk at pontoons.

 

[Ribtecer]

I favour keeping them. Not as docklines, though, as halyards don't have the stretch I want to reduce snatch in mooring lines. Halyards often find good use for securing loads on trailers.

I agree, especially the bit that has lived in the mast, that part is like brand new!!!

 

[[2574]]

I favour keeping them. Not as docklines, though, as halyards don't have the stretch I want to reduce snatch in mooring lines. Halyards often find good use for securing loads on trailers.

I think similarly but after twenty years of sailing the “that’ll come in handy“ pile of rope gets well out of hand. One is then forced to dispose or divorce……..

 

[Refueler]

I've never thrown out any rope, climbing, sailing or other that is not knackered. There is a never ending use for old rope either in original length or cut for multiple uses.

Although one of my pet hates is when some use old static lines (halyards for example) as mooring lines and they then squeek and jerk at pontoons.

Compared to fender 'squeal' - line 'squeak' is nothing IMHO ...

 

[awol]

Turn them into dog leads and sell them for £30 each

Upcycled Boat Rope Dog Lead - Etsy UK

Splicing old halyards is a total nightmare - don't even try!

 

[sailorman]

I have changed most of my running rigging so have the old lot but also a full set of docklines, including heavy duty with compensators on, plus some spare, so is it worth keeping old running rigging as "just in case" or clear out to keep the locker space?

usefull for use in locks . ss only hand held when snubbing

 

[Laser310]

probably not the case here, but if they have dyneema cores, he dyneema can still be pretty good .

but generally i would keep them off the boat - most halyards stored in lockers will absorb available moisture, and get pretty heavy. also, wouldn't it be better to store something useful there?

 

[doug748]

usefull for use in locks . ss only hand held when snubbing

Yes, or for this sort of caper:



Where you want something extra long for an hour or two in flat water. Mind you it's a good idea to cull your supply of old tat every now and again.

.

 

[jwilson]

Useful if you moor against a wall with a really big rise and fall of tide - then you need much longer lines than usual "docklines".

 

[Refueler]

Splicing old halyards is a total nightmare - don't even try!

I've done it - but hands were aching for days after !!

 

[chris-s]

When I finally give in and decide to get rid of an old line, I leave it by the skip or bin at the boat yard, they always get picked up by someone who has a use for it. Not every boat owner has the same size pockets and new lines are expensive but even ‘used’ lines can be far better than some I’ve seen.