We bought the boat in late summer, sailed for a month with a few fixes then in late October dropped the boom, had the mast pulled and we stored for the winter. Launching next week. I remember wanting to replace a bunch more old crusty lines and some tired blocks but no specifics. I’ve got a new halyard (NE Ropes Viper 24) arriving tomorrow. Replacing the topping lift with 1/4 " Amsteel.
For all other lines and blocks, I remember thinking I can get to them using a short ladder on deck? No higher than the boom? I’d like to look at each line as a system and tackle each separately. We’re currently set up with 3/8 lines. I’ll probably replace the Lewmar rope clutch to handle 5/16 lines. The current D2 starts at 3/8.
Plus I need to look at though hulls! For a 26 foot boat she’s got a lot of through hulls below the waterline.
Key points: make certain the wishboom is on the deck and you step the mast THROUGH it. Way easier than lifting the wishboom OVER the stepped mast! The reef lines and topping lift line goes through blocks that are a bit outboard on the boom - might be difficult to reach with a ladder given the angle…why wouldn’t you run these lines while the boom is on the deck? Works well for me.
John Gialanella - Tourmaline - NS22 - #8 - Bolles Harbor, MI (Lake Erie)
It’s easiest to change lines while the boom’s still on the ground.
If you didn’t and it’s already up, the next easiest is to attach your new lines to one end of the old lines. Then pull out the old line and let it pull the new one into place. (I usually use a needle and palm to run a couple of loops of whipping twine to connect the new and old lines, then cover that with electrical tape. Once the new line’s in place, it’s easy to remove the tape and thread.)
If the boom’s up and there’s no old line to pull through, just empty blocks, I suppose a ladder’s a possibility. That would scare me, though, because a ladder secured to the mast would likely be too much of a stretch. A ladder elsewhere would be hard to secure and hard to secure yourself to.
In that situation, what I’ve done is connect and end of the new line to the back of a small fid with electrical tape, and then tape that to the end of a telescoping boat hook with blue painter’s tape. The electrical tape holds the the line well to the fid, the fid fits through the block, the painter’s tape weak hold is easily overcome with a little bumping, and the weight of the fid carries it and the attached line through the block. Gravity will bring the line in reach to set up again and do the next block. (Do not, of course, stand directly underneath, because gravity can also bring the pointy end of the fid down on your head.)
I drop my wishbone annually whilst my mast stays up.
I extend my folding ladder a notch to perhaps eight or so feet, wedge the base by the cabin top and forward stanchion. I climb stealthily and then secure the ladder to the mast.
This way I can change all lines and hangers.
Admittedly this operation is done on the hard but I would do the same in n a calm anchorage.
Thank you everyone. Mostly my reasoning is that I’m likely going to swap out 3/8 lines to 5/16, but I’m not quite ready, but do want to launch the boat seeing how it’s July already!
If you’re buying line, don’t forget to check out the INA member discount offered by R&W Rope. You’ll find it via the www.Nonsuch.org webpage’s MEMBERS tab under MEMBERS SERVICES & DEALS.
They’re not always cheapest but with the discount they’re always in the running.