Andrei: 5/15" for the job halyard and 1/4" for the main. Was halyard that became damaged from rubbing in burrs? Rubbing against the masthead fitting? Other? Modern line is very strong and low stretch so if your hand is comfortable using 1/4" that is ok for the jib halyard. 5/16" will be easier on the hand and have lower stretch (as using less of its working load v 1/4"). Jerry, like all boat builders back in the 70s and 80s used wire or rope-to-wire for decreased stretch. There days just isn't necessary. Wire blocks can be used with rope. Wire can't be used in blocks made for rope. :: Dave Scobie :: M6'8" #650 :: SV SWALLOW - sv-swallow.com :: former owner M17 #375 SWEET PEA - m17-375.com :: former owner M15 #288 SCRED - m15namedscred.wordpress.com <<-- new site! On Mon, Jun 21, 2021, 8:09 AM Andrei Caldararu via montgomery_boats < montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> wrote:
Hello all, my 1987 M-17 came with rope/steel wire halyards when I bought it about 15 years. About 11 years ago I decided to replace the halyards, and I used StaSet 5/16" line going both up and down the mast. Unfortunately I did not replace the masthead blocks (sheaves?) that the old steel cable went through, and over time the halyards became frayed. Now one of them has become unusable. I need to replace the halyards, and was wondering if 5/16" line is not overkill. I was hoping to conduct an unscientific poll: what size halyard line is on your M-17? I was thinking of going down to 1/4" to make the line run smoother through the blocks. Also, does anyone know what size masthead blocks do I need to replace the existing ones that are intended for wire? Is there a good source for these? Thanks,Andrei.