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Old 08-11-2019, 10:44   #1
rjg
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masthead sheaves

Hello all, any thoughts on replacing or cleaning the sheaves @ masthead as they are seized. will be droping the mast to address compression post deflection, most likely wait untill then to do sheaves and rewire.
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Old 08-11-2019, 11:50   #2
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Re: masthead sheaves

Replacing or freeing up seized sheaves sounds like a good idea. Especially when you’re taking the mast down anyway. Why would anyone think otherwise?
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Old 08-11-2019, 12:12   #3
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Re: masthead sheaves

This is not an optional repair. If the sheaves don't turn, it is not long before the rope wears them flat, and then wears them more... and more... and then the rope jams. Murphy says the jam will occur with the sail half way up, and then be unable to put it up OR down.

In my opinion, take the mast down is the only option for this repair. Going up the mast on a halyard running on a seized sheave is not a good idea.
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Old 09-11-2019, 08:33   #4
rjg
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Re: masthead sheaves

Thank you for your responses, it is definitely my intentions to replace the sheaves. The boat had been sitting for five years before buying it with little if any maintenance, so what I was wondering is it customary to service the sheaves without droping the mast so they don't get to this state in the future. As you all know, (and I am learning) there are many facets of a sailboat, so I may post some more foolish questions no doubt, please bear with me if you will. Thanks, Ray..
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Old 09-11-2019, 08:57   #5
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Re: masthead sheaves

You might involve a rigger at the time. Do a full inspection and ask about the sheaves. Ours are all plastic with large axles and continue to run well after many years. Some boats have metal sheaves with press in journal bearings. There can be a bi-metal reaction here that swells parts together. This may also make removing the axle difficult.
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Old 09-11-2019, 09:12   #6
rjg
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Re: masthead sheaves

thank you I will heed your advice.
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Old 09-11-2019, 09:31   #7
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Re: masthead sheaves

Taking the mast down every year and inspecting / maintaining it was considered good practice. Not sure, why this apparently has come out of fashion. If you want a reliable rigg, I guess having the mast down every year for inspections and maintenance is still the best way.
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Old 09-11-2019, 09:37   #8
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Re: masthead sheaves

Sending a rigger up the stick every six months for a thorough inspection plus a good rigging inspection is working for us.
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Old 09-11-2019, 18:28   #9
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Re: masthead sheaves

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hesti View Post
Taking the mast down every year and inspecting / maintaining it was considered good practice. Not sure, why this apparently has come out of fashion. If you want a reliable rigg, I guess having the mast down every year for inspections and maintenance is still the best way.
Wooden masts NEEDED at least yearly inspections and maintenance, so it was definitely good practice. Aluminum masts are less prone to rot and don’t require varnish or paint. Inspections are still good practice, but doesn’t have to be done with the mast down. Pulling masts is expen$ive, and with fewer wooden masts, it has gotten less prevalent.

The OP may find that giving his sheaves a good cleaning and a shot of lubrication is all they need to last another 10-15 years. Maybe the halyards are stuck because they’ve jumped the sheaves. Having a good look with the mast down will be a good learning experience.
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Old 10-11-2019, 18:19   #10
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Re: masthead sheaves

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Originally Posted by rjg View Post
Thank you for your responses, it is definitely my intentions to replace the sheaves. The boat had been sitting for five years before buying it with little if any maintenance, so what I was wondering is it customary to service the sheaves without droping the mast so they don't get to this state in the future. As you all know, (and I am learning) there are many facets of a sailboat, so I may post some more foolish questions no doubt, please bear with me if you will. Thanks, Ray..
It can be done, but its a hell of a lot easier w the mast down.
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