Question about main halyard friction and loud squeaking

[CeeJay]

Ericson 25+, just purchased about 6 weeks ago. It had no main. I just raised my replacement main on a questionable halyard which needs replacing but hasn't been yet.

The sail wouldn't go all the way to the top. As it got within 3-4 feet of the top, it became increasingly difficult to haul it up. There was also a very loud squeaking. Hard to say where it was coming from. Sounded like it was coming from inside the mast, but maybe that was just an echo from the point of origin.

Besides the obvious of checking the sheave at the top, what else could be the cause and the fix for this?

We dry greased the slides/slugs, made sure the halyard wasn't caught or twisted, made sure the sail was free of an encumbrances. It was fine and free running on the way down, although still squeaking.

We're going to inspect everything this week but thought I'd ask for insight here. Anyone else have issues like this? What did you find/fix?

Also, is a 40ft air draft accurate on this boat? We're configuring an alternate way up the mast, since my halyard is questionable.

 

[Christian Williams]

I would put a strong line (such as jib sheet) on the halyard and pull the line up. Does it go easily to the top? You could then apply weight to the line and try to reproduce the squeaking, or other resistance.

It does sound like the sheave is a possile culprit.

 

[CeeJay]

I would put a strong line (such as jib sheet) on the halyard and pull the line up. Does it go easily to the top? You could then apply weight to the line and try to reproduce the squeaking, or other resistance.

It does sound like the sheave is a possile culprit.

We did that in order to measure the mast. Went up a tad more easily but still squeaking like mad. Will try again with a bit more weight.

 

[bigd14]

Aluminum sheave on stainless pin has corroded most likely and when adding weight from the sail starts to bind and squeak. Try Zephyrwerks for replacement.

Zephyrwerks, The Sheave Factory

Zephyrwerks, The Sheave Factory, owned by Ed Louchard, manufactures and repairs running rigging parts: sheaves and rollers for sailboat riggers, boat builders, and boat owners worldwide, from Port Townsend, Washington.

www.zephyrwerks.com

 

[Kenneth K]

Anyone else have issues like this? What did you find/fix?

I found:

1. Worn, damaged sheaves. Note the abrasion marks on the sides from contact with the sheave box inside the mast.

2. Poor fit between axles and sheaves--allows sheaves to wobble and abrade against the mast. Replace with new from Zephywerks.

3. Scratches, wear marks, and deformations on both sides of the sheave box from contact with the sheaves. These had to be smoothed out with a sanding drum and a sanding attachment on an oscillating tool.

Much easier to fix if you lower the mast, but it can still be done with the mast in place.

 

[CeeJay]

I went up the mast yesterday and it turns out that the 2 issues seem unrelated. The sheave is making all the noise, which is what we suspected, but it doesn't seem to be the source of the problematic friction. We think the halyard is fouled inside the mast on one of 2 wires running to the top of the mast. Next step is we're planning to take the mast down. We'll replace the sheave and see if we can find and correct the fouling. Two skippers way smarter and more experienced than I am are leading this effort.

Question: What are a few online retailers where I can buy the replacement sheave? My search hasn't turned up the right one yet. I need 2.5" x 5/16", with bearings.

 

[Loren Beach]

Zephyrwerks, The Sheave Factory

Zephyrwerks, The Sheave Factory, owned by Ed Louchard, manufactures and repairs running rigging parts: sheaves and rollers for sailboat riggers, boat builders, and boat owners worldwide, from Port Townsend, Washington.

www.zephyrwerks.com

This guy is really really good. Riggers that I know all use his services.
You measure your sheave and tell him exactly what to make.