H18SX main halyard replacement tips

My old 18SX finally needs the main halyard replaced as I believe the one on the boat is original. It is close to breaking so I have to get it fixed ASAP. I assume I can use the old halyard to install the new one. Does anyone have any tips on how to attach the old line to the new one without using a knot that will surely get stuck when trying to pull it through?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

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Paul


2020 Getaway
http://www.fleet297.org

The way I did it was that I took the bottom of the halyard at the mast base and used electrical tape to tape the end of the new halyard. Make the splice as small, but as strong as possible. Then pull from the end of the halyard at the top of the mast and the new halyard should get pulled through slick as can be. Once the new halyard has been pulled through cut the tape off and tie on your halyard ring.

I'm not sure what you'd do if that splice broke, or if you halyard is already out. i guess I lucked out because mine made it through just fine.

Good luck,

Adam

I do not use the old one to pull the new one, for me it is faster by removing the old line, then thread the new on it the top, twisting and pushing it until it starts into the track. Then simply poke it through the track slot with with a pointy awl, or tonight on my H-17, I used my pocket knife and just kept the end poked and pull/slide it right down the track... took me about two minutes total....

+1 This is the fastest way to do this, if you use tape and it fails, then you end up using this method anyways.

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1992 Hobie Cat 18 #16943
Hobie Fleet 198, Rapid City, SD

+2

I don't know exactly how the H18 sheave is at the top, but might be easier just to remove it, and plop it back in once the halyard is laid in there. That probably needs to be replaced as well anyway.

I just remove all knots in the halyard, place the ends of the old halyard and new halyard end to end, and then sew in a couple really good loops from one halyard to the next using a needle and strong sewing thread (like thread for a sail repair).

This basically joins them together end to end and when I am done pulling it through the mast I just snip off the thread, pull out the pieces, and toss them in the trash.

I melted my new one to the old one and tested it to see how strong. It was plenty strong. Then I pulled it through. I think I like Hobie 18 #7877's idea better. String is safer and more reliable.

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ALLEY CAT 1984 RED LINE HOBIE 18 MAGNUM
Sail # 10505 or 277

All fine ideas, I taped my two together with mast up. If it breaks, tip boat and use screwdriver method.

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H18, H17 & Various motor boats

Update: I tried the electrical tape method and it worked like a charm. I did not have to waste time taking the mast down

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Paul


2020 Getaway
http://www.fleet297.org

Yep, if you make a good splice it only takes a min or two.

Adam