How to replace a halyard?
Table of contents
Do you have a halyard showing signs of wear?
Before a break occurs when you least expect it, it's better to anticipate replacing your halyards.
Because climbing the mast offshore or finding yourself unable to maneuver the sails is never a pleasant experience.
Using the old halyard
The simplest and most effective method is to use the old halyard, still in place, to thread the new one through the mast.
You simply attach the old halyard and the new one end-to-end. You pull on the old one, which will pull the new halyard until it is fully in place.
For this step, make sure to securely splice your two ends together.
Too weak an attachment, and there's a real risk of your new halyard coming loose and falling to the mast foot. And then, you have no other choice but to climb to the top of the mast.
To properly splice your halyards, the best way is to use a needle and sewing thread like polyester sail thread.
You can also make a whipping to reinforce the splice.
Passing through the sheaves
Attaching the two ends together is very practical, but be careful not to do it haphazardly.
An attachment system that is too bulky, such as crimp collars or an oversleeve of too large a diameter, and your halyard risks not passing through the sheaves (pulleys).
A too fragile attachment, and it's quickly a hassle if it breaks.
Another tip to prevent the lines from getting stuck at the top of the mast: wrap the junction with thin but strong adhesive tape, such as electrician's tape.
This avoids any snags and having to climb to the top of the mast.
Using a messenger line
If the old halyard has already been removed, for whatever reason, you obviously can no longer use it to pass the new one.
In this case, you will use what is called a messenger line.
The messenger line
The messenger line is simply another line that will serve as a guide to pass the halyard.
It must be long enough: a little more than twice the height of the mast.
It must also be thin, but not too thin.
You might be tempted to use a fishing line or a 2mm lashing, but there's a good chance the messenger line will come out of the sheaves and get stuck, especially in windy conditions (this line would be very light and unstable).
Opt for a rope of the same diameter or slightly thinner than your halyard.
The weight
To easily pass the messenger line through the mast, you will weight it: fishing weights, nuts, shackle pin...
Be careful not to use a weight that is too large; it must be able to pass through the sheaves and remain flexible to use.
By simply adding a little weight to the messenger line, it will descend easily and not get stuck.
To prevent it from getting tangled with another halyard in the mast, a trick can be to ask a crew member: the crew member will tilt the boat to one side.
The weight will then settle against the inner wall of the mast and slide down, the messenger line remaining clear of other ropes and without risking getting twisted.
Washing your halyards
Even if there's no question of breakage, you may need to remove your halyards to wash them with fresh water from time to time, or for the winter.
The messenger line technique is then perfectly suited.
It will allow you to remove and then put the halyards back in place very simply.
