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2far2drive
1st Mate

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USA
74 Posts

Initially Posted - 03/02/2008 : 14:21:57

Well, I broke something else.

When I got to the boat friday I noticed my main halyard was looking a little "roughed up". It wasn't bad by any means, but it looked "rough". I did remember noticing some hesitation when hauling up the main last time I was out, but I shrugged and fired up the outboard.

As we headed into the wind in the bay, I started pulling her up when I was met with considerable resistance. Next thing I knew, the line was completly jammed. We worked for over 30 minutes trying to get the main down and it just wasnt happening. Since it was already 98% up, I decided what the heck, lets just go sailing, despite the performace decrease with the large pocket in the main.

After being hoisted to the top in a bosuns chair right in front of a restaraunt I was tied up to, I unshackled the main to fight with the halyard. Yep... you probably already guessed it, I broke a sheeve.

Are the ball bearing sheeves actually worth their price or should I just stick with the regulars? Im going to be replacing all 4.

David
83 SR/FK #3341
Kemah Texas

Edited by - on

stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 03/02/2008 : 14:26:01

IMHO - As a general rule, anytime I have the option of bearings or not, such as on sheeves or furling gear - I go with the bearings. Especially up at the top of a mast.
I'm going to switch out my original equipment sheeves and will be going with the best sheeves I can find.

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 03/02/2008 : 16:40:05

In the last month or so there was an article on sheave applications. I think it may have been in Sailing World. It explained that ball bearings are for speed and low resistance but NOT for constant heavy load. The article went on to recommend non ball bearing sheaves at the masthead and at the base of the mast if the lines are lead back. They said the "bushing" type spread the load over a greater surface area and are the more appropriate for that static load of a halyard. I do wonder if it matters much with our small rigs. Over the years there have been periods where masthead sheaves have been difficult to come by, buying what is available is probably the right call.

Edited by - on

stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 03/03/2008 : 17:49:02

I was just pricing out sheeves.
No doubt that bushing style sheeves made to higher specs would be better than bearing style sheeves made to lower specs.

My comment about bearings being preferable is based on growing up on a farm, and the fact that blocks and other gear are more expensive when they have bearings.
The blocks I've been buying lately for my boat are the higher end, Harken Big Bullet bearing style. Probably over-kill in many instances but I want to be able to move gear around when necesary and not have to worry about loads and wear and tear etc.
I have a very expensive Harken block at the top of my mast, acting as a topping lift.
My comment about bearing style sheeves is also based on my experience with better blocks - my topping lift is a breeze to work with, whereas before I had a system that required strength - now a quick tug on my topping lift and the boom lifts easily - thus making it safer and more efficient in a blow or when reefing or having the admiral take on the task.
IMHO, buy the best gear you can afford, especially something that is going to be at the top of the mast.

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Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 03/03/2008 : 18:27:07

I side with bushings for halyards. As noted, it is primarily a static load situation and not routinely cycled. Bushings are not a durability issue, just a little more friction, and few of us are constantly tweaking halyard tension. Static load deformation of bearings is an issue, but again, as noted, probably not a big deal on our small rigs. I don't think I would notice an extra 1 -2 pounds of force raising the sail, and my sail drops freely when released. I just got my new sheaves for an all line conversion, and they have bushings.

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cat1951
Admiral

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USA
636 Posts

Response Posted - 03/03/2008 : 18:44:22

I replaced mine on the masthead the season before last. Then sprayed the bushing areas with Sail Kote... They still work well and if I ever get up there again, I will respray. Yeah... I know, I can hear you all now.... of course I will be up there again.

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stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 03/03/2008 : 20:44:52

If I'm wrong, I'd rather find out before I buy new equipment.

That said, when I'm hauling on my main sail halyard or raising my hank-on jib singlehanded - often when its windy - I want sheeves that are going to at least be mechanicly neutral or at least offer as little resistance as possible, that to me sounds like bearings.

Edited by - on

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.