New haylards from masthead

[KVK]

I prolonged the replacement of main and foresail haylards, and now am faced with fishing new line from the masthead. My question is how to keep a weighted line from wrapping around the other two spinnaker haylards inside the mast? The other two haylards will be used to climb the mast; one for the climbing harness and the other will be used with "easy climber" and give me something to stand on while working at the top.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

[Roy M]

Remove the mast, overhaul everything, replace all electrical wiring, use this as an opportunity, not a challenge. It sounds like it's been a long time since an overhaul was performed.

[Terra Nova]

To do this, in place, tension any other internal halyards, and heel the boat to one side or the other, or ballast fore and aft, to "steer" the new messenger line around obstructions.

[Cheechako]

are you saying the old one is gone?

[maine50]

I use a bicycle or similar tied to new halyard. This gives weight and direction to the dropping line. Then I use a bent coat hanger to fish out at exit box at mast. Tim

[roverhi]

maine50 meant use a bicycle chain as a weight on the messenger line. it would be difficult to fit a bicycle down the mast.

[KVK]

Thanks to all for the suggestions. I was fortunate in that the main haylard with small chain weight was successfully fed into the masthead sheave without too much headache. It took several times before the bitter end was retrievable through the appropriate slot near bottom of mast with wire hook.

The foresail haylard is another story, and ended up using a mason line messenger and a different chain to navigate the topmast sheave.

Again, I appreciate the helpful responses.

Kevin