Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.
Shredded the mantle of both of my spin halyards during the nationals. Never had a problem while flying my Dacron sails. Borrowed a used Pinstripe 155 and both spin halyards are fried. Had to shorten the halyards after each race and after ten races I don't have enough halyard to shorten anymore. I am considering switching to rope to wire halyards. Any thoughts on "rope" versus "rope to wire" halyards.
My first thought is there must be a problem in your halyard path. Have you check the sheaves at the top of the mask. I've had problems with my sheaves at the foot of the mask and I could envision a problem in this area causing rope damage. As far as wire goes, I'm sure it could be made to work, but again, I question why. The loads on these halyards should not require wire, so look for the problem first. My two cents, good luck.
I agree with Joe. I've only had one spin halyard failure in about 15 years of sailing my Capri. That halyard was about 8 or 10 years old and parted at the top sheave mast exit point. Likely you have a sheave problem somewhere.
I plan on dropping the mast to inspect (replace) the sheaves. If I go to the rope/wire I need to buy the sheaves with a wire channel. This was the setup on my SJ24 and it worked well. I just think it is odd that both sheaves would go on the same day.
I'm confused by your reference to two halyards. The Capri is only rigged with one spin halyard, although there is sheaves for two jib halyards. Are you re-purposing one of the jib halyards for the spinnaker?
we just had a marina member relace an existing jib halyard that was wire/rope. They didn't want to change sheeves, so asked for wire to rope....ended up with several weeks wait for someone to custom order. They just don't keep up those systems anymore. just a thought about availability
Talked with west marine rep yesterday and he stated that today's lines are stronger and lighter. for about the same price I do 1/4 WarpSpeed with 5,100 lbs breaking strength and low stretch.
I had written a document that listed all the sizes and lengths of halyards and sheets for my Capri but I can't locate it. So from my poor memory, I think the halyards were 5/16th diameter. If I am correct, before purchasing the 1/4" halyard, I recommend handling the new halyard to check if you are comfortable with gripping it. Some lines are just too slippery to grip and for me, I'm more comfortable gripping and pulling 5/16 vs 1/4.
No question the halyards were originally all rope, and all 5/16. It takes only a few moments to change the sheaves out to replace the bakelight plastic sheaves with a new aluminum set, and they aren't terribly expensive either (bonus).
You can certainly go to amsteel, or crystaline, or VPC (but diameter certainly matters for grip)... Frankly I think Sta-Set X is fine unless you plan on getting a professional crew. At 4400lbs breaking strength, and can be found under $1/foot (try ebay), it's probably your bargain option for new halyards, and will last you a good long while.
My driving, crewing, and general lack of a good start are WAY more important than 2lbs extra of halyard weight, or 1/4" of halyard stretch.
I replaced all my halyards with Sta-set and used Sta-setX for the sheets. Sta-set comes in a variety of colors and I purchased them through Milwaukee Rigging (Ebay). Had an overall good experience with Milwaukee Rigging and was the cheapest around.
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ. The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.