Masthead Sheaves getting stiff

[Scotty_Tradewind]

My masthead sheaves became a little stiff a month ago. I noticed Mrs. S was having trouble heaving up the mainsail.

How do I sort?

Having mast steps it was a quick fix job to go up and spray in and around the sheaves with some dry lubricant.

I don't want to have the mast down ideally.

What recommendations please..... hose it out with fresh water is one idea although getting a hose up there would be a 'test' ?

Is it a done thing to clean, lubricate and then wrap up for the winter?

S.

 

[PetiteFleur]

Hmm, I did mine when the mast was down and even then it was not easy. OK once I worked out how to get the shaft out which would have been impossible if the mast was still stepped. Aluminium sheeve with a plastic bearing on a stainless shaft - not a good combination. I had to knock the shaft out(with the mast well supported) clean up and make the hole in the plastic bearing larger as it had swollen over the years. Surprising what a difference it made when finished, hopefully I won't have to do it again for years. On a Moody33 mk2.
Good Luck!