2:1 Main Halyard

[Jimbo2010]

The folks on a boat next to me are having a hard time raising their main, they are older and don't have the strength to do it easily.

I tried it and it was ok for me.

So a rigger suggested they go to a 2:1 halyard.

Anyone using that other than extra line any issues

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by Jimbo2010

The folks on a boat next to me are having a hard time raising their main, they are older and don't have the strength to do it easily.

I tried it and it was ok for me.

So a rigger suggested they go to a 2:1 halyard.

Anyone using that other than extra line any issues

I had that on one boat. No problems, I liked it, and have been thinking of adding it to my current boat. I have a winch, but I liked 2:1. Typically the halyard diameter will be reduced, since it is holding 50% the load.

[Networker]

They’re found on Cats and larger boats; I’d get one if I needed it.

[Nekton73]

Certainly a viable solution and a great way to adapt. Imo the best way to deal with the inevitable twist issue would be a fixed/non-swivel sheave at the head of the mainsail and a high quality swivel on the dead end at the masthead. Black Diamond makes a climbing version that is excellent, and similar devices can be found on Amazon for half the price. I have not had to search for a marine equivalent but I'm sure one exists, but perhaps quadruple the price

Ensure there is sufficient space to allow the dead end to actually turn. If it is riding against something, or the termination (knot, splice, whatever is used) is too big and it can't turn, the swivel is pointless.

[SV Confianza]

We are 2:1. We had some twisting issues until we took the swivel out of the block at the head of the sail (and a new halyard)

[Mal Reynolds]

Some downsides: Twist, as mentioned, and 2X the amount of line to coil up & store. I had one on a 1200 sq ft, 220# main. Doable, but it's still the same overall work to get the sail up.

I'd do what's possible to take friction out to reduce overall work. Clean, ball bearing cars. If bolt rope get rid of it. Make sure the halyards aren't crossed inside the mast. Blocks clean & lubricated. Personal preference, but consider halyard & winch at the mast rather than leading back to cockpit. You typically have to go up there to reef anyway. Finally, another option is a powered winch or ewincher or big right angle drill.

No perfect answer, only tradeoffs.

[psk125]

McLube in the slot or on the track can help.

[Jimbo2010]

I did that for them on the slides and track as high as I could reach but didn't go up.

was about the same it's just a big heavy main my guess over 100lbs

[donradcliffe]

My Milwaukee 28v cordless right angle drill can hoist that main several times and still have enough charge left to take me to the masthead.

[Linguini]

I would suggest a electric winch like https://www.powersailwinch.com/

2:1 caused me lots of trouble while twisting in the top (ok, my fault - didn´t checked it). In high winds and waves with a sail that could no longer be trimmed. Down again and the untangle the halyard was not fun.

[Jimbo2010]

nice, but the cost is another issue.

A right angle drill may be a better price point to use simply to raise the main



I'm going to recommend they have a rigger drill out the crane and put a pin to hold a thimble 2:1 Halyard.

line, block, labor I guess $500

Not sure what riggers charge here in Fl