How to Replace a Halyard on a Sailboat

Sailboats, sails and the rigging are exposed to the weather throughout the seasons. Along with continued use, the lines need to be replaced when wear and tear begins to show. When replacement is warranted depends on many factors, including the amount of use, the quality of material used in the lines and the age. Replacing the halyard -- a line running from the deck to the top of the mast -- is a delicate operation but not difficult to do.

Things You'll Need

  • New halyard line
  • Duct tape
  • Shackle
  • Thread
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Instructions

  1. Replacing the Halyard

    • 1

      Start by securing one end of the halyard to the deck. Pull out enough slack so the line is not tight. Use a shackle to fasten one end of the halyard, known as the bitter end, to a rail or other non-movable part on the deck of the boat.

    • 2

      Cut the correct length of line. Determine the length of the existing halyard by consulting the boat manual. You can also find the length of the current halyard without taking it down by using the height of the mast as the base measurement and multiply by two. That will give you a starting point. Since the halyard is tied to the deck or railing on one end, run up the mast and back down to another point, which is usually the end of a sail. Measure those two ends, and add to the first figure.

    • 3

      Tape the bitter ends of the old and new rope halyards together. Use the end of the halyard that is not secured to the shackle, and then tape the new line (the messenger line) to it with duct tape. Put the ends against each other, and wrap several times around to keep them together. The tape must be pliable and not too thick to go through the grove in the sheaves at the top of the mast.

    • 4

      Go back to the shackled end and begin to pull. By gently pulling the old halyard out, you will thread the new halyard into place. Pull slowly but firmly. When the taped ends reach the top of the mast and the sheave, continue a slow but steady pull to bring the package through the grove and on its way back down the mast. If it gets stuck and you cannot get it to thread, pull it back down and re-tape it.

    • 5

      Take off the tape and secure the new halyard to the original points. When the new line is pulled to the shackled end, secure it with the shackle. Go to the other side and reattach that end to whatever it was attached to, such as the sail.