2:1 main halyard

Belanich
Posts: 97
Joined: Fri Oct 09, 2015 10:51 am

2:1 main halyard

Post by Belanich »

I'm planning on installing a 2:1 main halyard on my F38. Has anyone tried this? The only problem I see will be fixing the end of the halyard at the masthead.
Michael Belanich
Dolcetto F38#65

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RadioZephyr
Posts: 259
Joined: Mon Jun 27, 2016 10:04 am
Location: Boston, MA

Re: 2:1 main halyard

Post by RadioZephyr »

Why?
Josh
Sunset Spy
F38, Hull #152
Boston, MA

Belanich
Posts: 97
Joined: Fri Oct 09, 2015 10:51 am

Re: 2:1 main halyard

Post by Belanich »

To make it easier to hoist the main. The new main is heavier (square top), I'm weaker (shoulder problems) and an electric winch is too expensive (daughters student loan). :D

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RadioZephyr
Posts: 259
Joined: Mon Jun 27, 2016 10:04 am
Location: Boston, MA

Re: 2:1 main halyard

Post by RadioZephyr »

Ahhh, that makes sense.
Josh
Sunset Spy
F38, Hull #152
Boston, MA

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Castaway
Posts: 286
Joined: Sat Dec 13, 2008 8:40 pm
Location: Lerwick, Shetland Isles

Re: 2:1 main halyard

Post by Castaway »

When fully hoisted, how close to the main halyard sheave is the headboard of the sail? Adding a block into the system – which you will need to do if it is to run smoothly and be easier to hoist – may mean you cannot hoist the main the last two or three inches, and that will affect the set of the sail. Altering the sail may be the only way round this. The cheaper and more practical alternative, if the hoist height is compromised, may be to try the Milwaukee 36v right angle drill in your winch. It has been mentioned in one or two threads here, including a recent one, (look in "Random Chatter"), and might save a lot of trouble. Probably even cheaper than buying a new, extra long, halyard and high quality block.

Even just replacing the current blocks on the halyard with roller or ball bearing ones, and using a lighter Dyneema line, may make it less of an effort to hoist the main.

We'll be interested in hearing what works for you; we're all getting older, and often weaker! Currently I put my trust in a Lewmar Ocean power winch for the last foot or so.

Gerald
Gerald Freshwater,
s/y 'Castaway', (UK F35 cat ketch, centreboard, 1987)
Lerwick Boating Club
Shetland Isles, Scotland

Belanich
Posts: 97
Joined: Fri Oct 09, 2015 10:51 am

Re: 2:1 main halyard

Post by Belanich »

I had my rigger install the 2:1 halyard yesterday. It was definitely worth it! He bolted two aluminum plates on either side of the shroud that houses the main halyard sheave to provide a dead end for the 170 foot halyard. I reduced to halyard diameter to 10mm (FSE Robline Sirius 500) and ran it through a Wichard MXEvo 2:1 Main Halyard Shackle. Hoisting the main now requires much less effort and the rope clutch no longer slips. I can finally fully hoist my new sail!
Michael Belanich
Dolcetto F38 #65

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Castaway
Posts: 286
Joined: Sat Dec 13, 2008 8:40 pm
Location: Lerwick, Shetland Isles

Re: 2:1 main halyard

Post by Castaway »

Result!

Do you have a picture?

Regards,

Gerald
Gerald Freshwater,
s/y 'Castaway', (UK F35 cat ketch, centreboard, 1987)
Lerwick Boating Club
Shetland Isles, Scotland

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gamayun
Posts: 270
Joined: Thu Dec 06, 2012 9:14 pm

Re: 2:1 main halyard

Post by gamayun »

My sailmaker has been suggesting this to me for a couple of years now. Would love to see pictures too, if you have any.
Kynntana, Freedom 38

Belanich
Posts: 97
Joined: Fri Oct 09, 2015 10:51 am

Re: 2:1 main halyard

Post by Belanich »

The rigger usually takes pictures of everything he does so I'll ask him. I took pictures from the deck but they are not helpful. I'll post a diagram when I get a chance. Another benefit is about 1/3 less compression load on the mast and I can hoist the sail faster even though I am hauling 2x the line. Only down side is the extra 50 ft of line in the cockpit.

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hotstonp
Posts: 78
Joined: Sun Mar 02, 2014 8:54 pm
Location: Southampton

Re: 2:1 main halyard

Post by hotstonp »

How has this worked out for you over time? My rigger has just suggested that same thing but I am concerned by all the extra string. Also how do you replace the halyard? Is is the dead end attached to the top of the master is fed back down?

Keep well
Peter
Feronia - 1986 Freedom 33 Cat Sloop (UK Hoyt), Hull # 001, Aluminium Needlespar rig, shoal keel.

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