| Author | Message | ||
     Scott Corder (Pastcommodore) Rating: N/A |
John, I would have to concur with much of what jroy posted on your mast sheave issues. If, in fact, you haven't been performing regular (2-3 times per season) inspection and lubrication of the masthead hardware, I would strongly suggest dropping the rig for a complete inspection (and the sheave replacement). I know it's a pain to drop, but the opportunity to inspect EVERYTHING at ground level is really worth it. jroy is correct when he says it may just be impossible to reach and remove the parts required to replace the sheaves. The mere pain in the butt of several likely trips up/down to retrieve all the right tools, etc. is another huge consideration. Needless to say, drilling and tapping anything from a bosuns chair would be a true adventure!! We drop our rig every season to facilitate a complete inspection - loosening, lubricating and retightening everything (which keeps fasteners from seizing)(we also replace the spreader pins annually). Re-taping the top of the headfoil and any tuffluff on the headstay (an annual necessity) is also much easier with the rig down. We just feel much better in general after an annual inspection. Like frequent winch maintenance, the crew also loves a trouble-free and fully lubricated masthead. I agree that the wire sheaves aren't ideal for rope halyards, but we have had no problems running 3/8 rope through ours for the past 5 years. I removed our sheaves once and had to drive the pin out with a hammer. I was very glad the rig was on the ground. |
