Aluminum or Plastic Halyard Sheave

[Sergy]

Hi Everyone
I am looking for advice regarding the main halyard Sheave. I have removed my mast and changing the standing rigging I have noticed I will have to change the main Halyard Sheave The original has side play, and it was originally used with SS wire and spliced to rope. I have switched to all rope and was expecting to easily find a replacement Aluminum 4” OD sheave. My rigger is saying he can find plastic sheave at a pretty penny. My question is it advisable to switch to plastic or should I continue searching for Aluminum Sheave Does anyone know where I can find an aluminum sheave to fit ½’ to 9/16” main halyard rope. I was looking for Halyard shelve 4”OD. 5/8” wide ½” inside dia. of bushing to fit ½ t0 9/16” rope Any advice as always will be appreciated.

[speciald@ocens.]

Stay with the metal sheave. The friction and tension of the halyard will eat through a plastic sheave. Try any rigger for the part.

[svHyLyte]

Sergy--

Check with Garhauer for replacement metal sheaves. They can be had with roller bearings at very reasonable cost. A friend of ours with the same boat we have (42') replaced his for under $100 USD each.

FWIW...

[Carolina Cal]

Sergy-- Just bought a similar one. Same dimensions as my original alloy one, but w/ a better groove configuration. Looks like your size is a standard item @ rigrite.com

[senormechanico]

My all rope system has Delrin plastic sheaves. Boat's a '95 with no bearings, just a 1" or so shaft and no wear I can see.

[Shorty]

Look at Zephyrwerks or Rig-Rite