Wow you guys really came through on the answers I need, thanks!
Yes, the sheave in my original masthead, being plastic, is deteriorated, specifically the edges have broken off in spots, allowing the cable to slip off the wheel. I figured I would run the risk of the same thing happening if I buy a used replacement, so I am satisfied to spend the money for a new masthead -- buying a bit of peace-of-mind, if you will. I cannot cite where, but I am certain I read that the new dual-sheave masthead will fit onto the aluminum mast. I'll let you know if that's wrong! Will have to drill new rivet holes, that's no biggie.
Marc, thanks for the pic...your line is key: "your halyard would be too long.." I believe I can easily remedy that by cutting and re-crimping a new stop for the shackle, making the halyard cable shorter. Plan B is to put a new hook on at the right place, or just buy a comptip halyard.
And if the new masthead doesn't fit the mast, then I'm off to eBay! Or find the post about the guy who can fabricate a new new Delrin sheave for my masthead -- but his repair cost is as much as buying the new masthead.
I'll let you know how it goes...
Stuart
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