Need to run a line through the boom

[hd002e]

My boom is 12 feet long and has 4 sheaves at the end (z-spars). Three of which are in use and have lines going in. The fourth one I need for a reefing point on the sail but I am having trouble pulling a line through. I have some 8AWG wire on board and I tried to push that through from either end without success (gets stuck after about two feet).

Any recommendations on how to go about this?

[Steve Bean]

Plumbers and electricians have a tool called a snake, a long bit of steel that is stiff enough to go through a conduit or a boom. They also use a shop vac to pull a piece of foam or the like, tied to a string.

[Sparx]

Tie a piece of steel on to the end of a string, and use a magnet to drag the steel and string through the boom.

[Bruce K]

In Oz we often use "yellow tongue" for pulling wires etc. It is a piece stiff but flexible plastic about 10mm x 3mm and 3m long, just push it through and tie a mouse to the hole in the end and pull it back.

[stormalong]

Originally Posted by Steve Bean

Plumbers and electricians have a tool called a snake, a long bit of steel that is stiff enough to go through a conduit or a boom. They also use a shop vac to pull a piece of foam or the like, tied to a string.

Here in the US we have snakes for plumbing and fish tapes for pulling wires through conduit pipe. A fish tape is spring steel and very stiff, just what you need.


If you only got two feet in can you shine a flashlight in and look for an obstruction?

[silversailor]

Or, tie TWO very thin lines(Messenger lines 1 & 2) to one of the lines (Line A) that now runs through the boom. Pull line A through the boom and untie ONE of the messenger lines. Use the second messenger line to pull Line A back in place. Then use the remaining messenger line to pull the new line through the boom. DONE!

[roverhi]

This is an electrician's snake: https://www.amazon.com/Southwire-Equ...al+snake&psc=1

[Howler]

Wouldn’t it be simplest to attach the end of a piece of string to one of the existing lines (one that has slack longer than the length of the boom), then attach the strong to the new line and pull it through.

[01kiwijohn]

Something's snagging it inside there, you should be able to use a snake to pull it through.
I'd be inclined to drill the rivets and pull the clew end off then get a light, or maybe a bore scope the to determine what is snagging it.
If there is a problem, you'll still have other issues once you do get the line run in there.

[MoorOrLess]

When we were kids we use to pull the halyards out from our skiff mast after every race. To feed them in again just raise the mast a few feet and wash them in with a hose and running water. But wouldn’t take that approach with the reefing lines.
The reefing lines are under a lot of load and you don’t won’t them twisted. If twisted, a slack line can jam anther line in the exit sheath (have had it happen when trying to go from first reef to second).
Silversailer’s idea sounds good but make sure the other lines are tight, then pull the messenger tight and make sure there is no movement in existing lines. If one of the other lines move then you have a twist.

[svHyLyte]

I have fairly easily lead new lines through our boom (on a First 42) by using a common self retracting tape measure, the end of the tape fed through the opening above the sheves at the goose-neck and pushed through to the end of the boom where the end can fairly easily be fished out. One then simply attaches a light messenger line to the up-turned end fitting on the tape which is pulled back to the goose-neck as the tape is retracted. The messenger line can then be attached to the end of the line that one needs fed through the boom. (The foregoing takes longer to describe than it does to simply do.)


FWIW...

[deluxe68]

Originally Posted by silversailor

Or, tie TWO very thin lines(Messenger lines 1 & 2) to one of the lines (Line A) that now runs through the boom. Pull line A through the boom and untie ONE of the messenger lines. Use the second messenger line to pull Line A back in place. Then use the remaining messenger line to pull the new line through the boom. DONE!

This should work if all the sheaves on the forward end of the boom are together. I doubt a snake would work, they are made for running inside conduit, it would probably flop around too much between sheaves.

[JC Reefer]

Easiest way to do this is to acquire a common mouse. Once The little guy or gal has become accustomed to your love and touch you’ll be able to tie piece of string to their tail. Place some peanut butter on one end of the boom and slide the mouse into the opposite end. The mouse will instinctually go for the food. Collect your mouse and your done.

Its long been know that mice are a kind friend to seamen and seawomen alike. They are great helpers and can handle a variety of tasks such as stripping electrical wires or eating all unneeded cheese. Only on rare occasions do some mice disobey their mankind masters.

If you find yourself with an unruly mouse then you’ll need to use a SNAKE. [emoji6]

[artisanmach]

Harbor frieght... 6 bucks and stores in a small tube until the next time you need it...

[Bean Counter]

Disconnect your main sheet blocks and vang. Tie a lead sinker(s) to 20ft of dental floss or light fishing line. Pop the sinker into the empty sheave. Hoist the boom up on the topping lift high enough so sinker fall down inside the boom, retrieve with needle nose pliers at the goose neck sheave.