Hi all! So, I finally got out sailing this past weekend - my first *real* experience on the J/30 I bought in September. And wow, does she sail like a dream.
Sail handling, however, was another matter. The mainsail took a ton of force on the winch to raise, and refused to drop when I let go the main halyard (I have a sail track with almost no friction, so it should come down like a guillotine).
My friction is coming from the main halyard. I replaced the old, weathered line with 7/16" Sta-Set X (the old line was also 7/16" - I measured). However, I think the sheaves are 1) worn out and 2) not intended for such a thick line.
So I intend to replace the sheaves, one at the masthead and one at the boot where the halyard turns towards the cockpit. What are my options here? I know RigRite sells the replacement sheaves, but are there better/more efficient designs (I don't care about being class legal)? What dimensions should I look for? I'm asking in advance of having someone go up the mast to inspect the sheaves - will probably do that this weekend. Also, is it possible to replace the sheave without pulling the mast? I'd really like to avoid that - still kicking myself for not having it done last time I was in the yard.
So once that's done, I'll need to replace the halyard. 7/16" seems much to big. I'm thinking Amsteel, 1/4" for the mast section, spliced to Sta-Set X for the winch and clutch. Or maybe just all Amsteel, with a cover for the winch/clutch.
Any suggestions?
Thanks!
-Alex
Ananda, #140, San Francisco
