[C38] Binding Halyards/Masthead

[Russ and Karleen Duff]

Thanks for the replies.  The only thing I see that is a problem is that the
halyards aren't just difficult to move, they WON'T move. Actually, the main
halyard will move a few feet if I use the winch, but then it takes all my
weight to pull it down, and the jib halyard won't move at all. Does this
shed any light on things? 

 

Sincerely,
Russ Duff
Catalina 38, Hull #112
"AVANTURA"
Lake Erie
Grosse Ile, Michigan

AVANTURA AT COMCAST DOT NET

  _____  

From: listserve-bounces at catalina38.org
[mailto:listserve-bounces at catalina38.org] On Behalf Of Tom T.
Sent: Saturday, July 05, 2008 8:59 AM
To: Catalina 38 Listserve
Subject: Re: [C38] Binding Halyards/Masthead

 

 

Hello Russ,

 

Servicing the sheaves on our masts is difficult to do unless the mast is
unstepped.  Our masthead is welded captive to the mast and cannot be removed
so the sheaves have to be serviced with the masthead in place.

 

When I unstepped my mast a few years ago, I found that one of my masthead
sheaves was different from the rest.  Then I found the original matching
sheave in the mast step where it had dropped from an earlier repair attempt
from a previous owner.

 

Our masthead sheaves are secured by a gate on the side of the masthead held
by tapped screws.  Once the plate is removed, it's easy to remove the sheave
pin but doing so will allow the sheave to drop to the bottom of the mast if
you don't secure it properly.

I think the only way to safely service the sheaves with the mast up is to
remove one halyard at a time and service one sheave at a time without the
load of the halyard on it.  You could then easily use wire or string to
secure the unloaded sheave to remove it from the masthead.  I had an easier
job because my mast was down laying on saw horses but I did envision doing
this procedure with the mast stepped and believe it is possible.

 

I used marine trailer axle grease on my sheave pin.  I had tried WD40 and
even PB Blaster when the mast was up but they were only of limited success.
By completely removing the sheaves and pins, polishing any corrosion off and
then greasing with a waterproof grease has made my halyards work very smooth
and easy.

 

I had limited time when my mast was down but if I had more time, I would
have drilled my sheave pins and installed grease fittings so future service
could be done easily without any disassembly of the masthead.

 

It's been several years since I serviced my masthead so I hope my memory is
serving me right with this advice.

 

 

Good luck,

Tom Troncalli

 

----- Original Message ----- 

From: Russ and <mailto:avantura at comcast.net>  Karleen Duff 

To: Catalina <mailto:listserve at catalina38.org>  38 Listserve

Sent: 7/5/2008 1:36:16 AM 

Subject: [C38] Binding Halyards/Masthead

 

I finally got the motor put back together and running, and now I have a
problem with my main and jib halyards; they are both badly binding. I have
no idea what could be causing this except that either the halyard sheaves
are frozen, or maybe one, or both, of the lines have come off-track (they
were fine at haul out at the end of the season). I am planning to go up the
mast tomorrow to inspect things and hope for an easy fix.  If it isnt, and
I need to dig deeper inside, how does the masthead come off? Can it be
removed with the mast up? I wouldnt think so because arent the fore and
aft stays connected to it?  If it cant come off, is there any way to access
the sheaves while it is on? This s_cks, I finally get the motor fixed, and
now its something else (I guess thats what you get with a 27 year old
boat). Any advice would be appreciated. 

 

 

Sincerely,
Russ Duff
Catalina 38, Hull #112
"AVANTURA"
Lake Erie
Grosse Ile, Michigan

AVANTURA AT COMCAST DOT NET

 
  
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