Replace wire halyard with dyeema?

[Perna]

At the risk of sounding stupid, what's a reel or spool winch and why are they a hazard?

Thanks..

[chris in SG]

Originally Posted by Perna

At the risk of sounding stupid, what's a reel or spool winch and why are they a hazard?

Thanks..

Basically it's the same concept as a fishing reel or crane hoist. Although they have come back into fashion for high-end yachts (for under-deck mainsheet reels, etc) these are designed to take line. The old style halyard reel winches, mounted on the mast, have limited capacity and were designed for wire only. Hence the challenge of finding a diameter of line that will fit the reel and meet the requirements for stretch and breaking strength.

As for the "hazard", I don't see it. It's all about maintenance. Old wire rope is only hazardous because it should have been replaced already. The reel winch concept is probably less prone to catching fingers than a typical open sheet winch.

[roverhi]

The problem with reel winches is the handle spinning as you release the brake. They are direct drive without a ratchet. If you don't control the handle as the clutch/brake is released, they are notorious for breaking forearms.

As far as sizing the line to replace the wire, use the same diameter as the wire. Spectra/Dyneema is as strong, if not stronger, than the wire.