Halyards, halyards and more halyards, or, the mapole dance.

[s/v Jedi]

Related to this, what do you guys use for messenger line? We have been using flag pole line for decades but broke a couple on a recent passage. I have been thinking about paracord but figure it is too stretchy. The flag line gets very hard.

[meirriba]

Originally Posted by meirriba

Benz & Jim Cate gave you the best answers (IMHO)...

Sorry, it was Ann (not Jim). My apologies.

[JPA Cate]

No worries, merreiba.

Matt, I apologize for not writing in adequate detail.

That boat had a s/s ring around the mast base that all the halyards not in use were clipped on, using their snap shackles. I would suspend the bags from the cleats that belong to the halyards. If you make the bags with drains, water will drain out even if they are all or partly on the deck. If it were me, I'd shape the bag to the location, but make it only just big enough for all that halyard tail. The messenger line tail can be cleated around the same cleat. From my pov, you have all the hardware you need. For the messenger line, I think you'd be okay with VB cord. You may need to change it every few years, but it should be adequate to the job. If you're somewhere they put the running rigging in new boats, sometimes you can scarf up the messenger lines the riggers discard on the ground, just rinse then in soapy water, let dry, et voila!, new "string" for whatever you need it for. What they throw away in Qld, has been good for a lot of jobs on I-2, including one mouse line.

Ann

[Benz]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

Related to this, what do you guys use for messenger line? We have been using flag pole line for decades but broke a couple on a recent passage. I have been thinking about paracord but figure it is too stretchy. The flag line gets very hard.

The most durable is 1/8" dyneema. Expensive, I know, but it's the only thing that really holds up long-term.

[GILow]

Originally Posted by JPA Cate

Matt, I apologize for not writing in adequate detail.
....

Well, you certainly addressed that deficit, thank you.

Thinking about it all, I think I’ll remove the halyards altogether, but run the messenger lines and tie them off at each end of the mast sheaves. The Asym halyard is there if needed for most extra jobs, including mast climbing safety (I have mast steps).

I can’t see a place where the extra halyard bags wouldn’t be a PITA, plus I already have to store the main halyard, the Asym halyard and staysail/topping lift halyard.

Thanks all for the advice, gratefully received.

Matt

[Boatguy30]

I think you can safely ditch the one forward halyard. Having a spin halyard outside the foretriangle is nice. I assume that's what you have. Maybe take the nicest one out and even maybe messenger the 2nd when only daysailing. I think having the ability to hoist a sail on the roil should the internal furler halyard fail is a no brainier. Won't get a fair lead with the spin halyard, but fine in a pinch

[s/v Jedi]

A while ago I learned how rigger get the halyards through. They use a chain from a bicycle that they lower with a small line from the masthead sheave. They catch it below with a wire hook or loop and it’s quick and painless.

Messenger lines are a pain when they are there just as place holders. Better just remove it all

[GILow]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

A while ago I learned how rigger get the halyards through. They use a chain from a bicycle that they lower with a small line from the masthead sheave. They catch it below with a wire hook or loop and it’s quick and painless.



Messenger lines are a pain when they are there just as place holders. Better just remove it all

I like that system!