Getaway Main Halyard Construction

You can do better. The choice of a copper alloy swage cap surrounding a stainless wire is just asking for galvanic corrosion. Granted, copper and stainless aren't that far separated galvanically, but there's no need for the use of both materials.

If you do redesign it, I suggest getting rid of the stainless altogether. Aramid or vectran is just as non stretch per diameter. Now that my stainless has corroded off the swage, I intend to make my own--simple enough splice.

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R/Thom
SeaRail 19
Triak
BMW C600
Formerly Getaway with Custom Spinnakers
Formerly raced F24 Mk II

Same Comptip halyard design has been used since 1985. We have considered may options. Nothing we have found works better. If you find something that works... listening.

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Take a pigtail of vectran or other aramid about the same length as your current wire--use the same diameter as your current wire, as well. Splice it to the core of your current poly rope (appears to be standard yacht braid). Suck the splice inside the cover and whip. If you want to, you can use the same thimble over the whipping, but I suspect it won't be needed. Took me a half hour, but I don't do many splices anymore, so I took my time. In 1985, this was probably the best, most reliable available. But the quality of modern materials is really good. Uv degradation of aramids is an issue, but just keep the pigtail in the shade when not in use and you will be good at least as long as current halyards.

If you wanted to, you could even make the entire thing of a 1/4 " high tech rope and just uncover the pigtail. But that's a bit more expensive...it would be appropriate for high end racers who want the least windage and weight aloft.

_________________
R/Thom
SeaRail 19
Triak
BMW C600
Formerly Getaway with Custom Spinnakers
Formerly raced F24 Mk II

Let us know how it lasts. UV is extremely important though as these most commonly stay in the sun all their lives. Abrasion from the halyard hook is another concern.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

I'll let you know in a couple years or sooner if it fails unexpectedly. UV degrade was a big issue with the first generation of aramids...not so much anymore. I don't expect abrasion issues with proper hoist techniques...but I do have occasional lubbers as crew.

_________________
R/Thom
SeaRail 19
Triak
BMW C600
Formerly Getaway with Custom Spinnakers
Formerly raced F24 Mk II