Stubborn halyard

[BobFord]

This may be an odd request ,but here goes- I have rigged a new 14mm Dyneema halyard thro' a curved mast. At some point , midway up and inside the mast , the line is tight to pull . It will run ,but seems to need "lubrication "!!. Has anyone used a lubricant upon the halyard , that may add 'slippage ' ?

[wrwakefield]

Hi Bob,

Since Dyneema is about as slippery as it gets, [assuming it isn’t a double-braid line with a Dyneema core with outer jacket…] I would be concerned the Dyneema might be snagging on something inside the mast…. I would consider pulling the halyard to check for chaffing…

If it is double-braid with Dyneema core, then maybe you could try treating the jacket with one of the slippery anti-chafe rope treatments like Yale Maxijacket or the like?

Best wishes resolving the issue. Let us know what you discover.

Cheers, Bill

[BobFord]

Thank you ,Bill , for the tip . I should have mentioned that the Dyneema is a core but it is sheathed .

[wrwakefield]

Bob, Thanks for the clarification.

Understanding we are dealing with [polyester?] sheathing, I have another thought: we use Nikwax Rope Proof treatment [just soak the lines in a diluted solution] every couple of years on running rigging [and dock lines] to keep them from freezing for our winter adventures. I have noticed the running rigging handles better [smoother? Subjective…] after such treatment.

I wonder if that might help in your case?

Here is a Practical Sailor work-up on the topic:

https://www.practical-sailor.com/sai...age-treatments

In case it is available to you, and useful.

Cheers, Bill

[Don C L]

Are there rivets or screws in the mast? Does it seem to be hanging up around the spreaders?

[MicHughV]

I'm sure there is all sorts of stuff running inside the mast....other halyards...maybe twisted up...
Electrical wiring...in a conduit or not..
Various and sundry spreader bolts, screws, etc
And then there is the mast itself...curved...obviously means a hard spot somewhere..

Any of the above could be a cause..not sure where I'd begin to look if it were me....not sure that the new halyard itself is the problem...

[MicHughV]

You say the boat is a Eurocat 71....I tried googling that name, but came up short....
Nonetheless, I'd be trying to research how the mast, rigging, etc is put together. which may provide an answer....

[BobFord]

Mic Hugh & Don,
The vessel is a Roberts International 'Eurocat 2000 '. Now 12 y.o. aluminium ,rigged by AllYacht Brisbane Australia. There are numerous 'traps ' , for the halyard but it was recently re-rigged by AllYacht and they seemed to be able to view inside the mast by a device top and bottom and were happy with the rope drop. I am leaning towards friction as the new halyard is in fact, one that I put in reserve many years ago . The outer braiding is stiff but the Dyneema is ,naturally , flexible as new.I will try Bill's suggestion of softening / lubricating the poly outer. Your comments are much appreciated. Cheers, Bob