Roller reefing - halyard restrainer or deflector?

[Ardenfour]

My mast is off the boat while I rewire it and adjust the reefing system. So do either of the anti-halyard wrap devices have an advantage over the other? Obviously the deflector discs allow fitting of the system without dropping the mast, but since mine is down...I have both parts available
Thanks

 

[rob2]

Your choice must depend on the geometry of your rig. If you're lucky enough to have room for either, then it is likely that either will work fine so the choice is down to which will cause least chafe on the halyard. I've seen both arrangements made with fittings which did not appear to have been shaped to minimise chafe. A deflector disc should have a smooth, nicely profiled edge, as should a restraining eye. If there is room for it, a block on an eye would probably be the best solution.

I have a restrainer eye (which must cause friction on the hoist) which has always worked fine when sailing, but I often get a wrap when hoisting the sail. Obviously it is ineffective until the head of the sail is close up, but it is quite a faff feeding the luff into the groove, hoisting with the other hand and playing a temporary sheet with your teeth to stop it wrapping!

Rob.

 

[Ardenfour]

Thanks Rob, it's a masthead rig, with wire halyards. I hadn't thought about a block, that would reduce friction compared to the U-shaped metal device I have.