Sheaves update

Well the top came off the head box without needing the fore and back stays removing, after a bit of a struggle Duncan removed two sheaves, remarkably small and both buggered. The damage was similar and consistent, one of the lips of the sheave being broken off all the way around.

Conclusion 1

The riggers at Largs had either not noticed or just assumed the spare sheave was OK.

Conclusion 2

Don't send a boy who has only worked as a rigger for a couple of months to the top of my mast and expect him to make a sensible assessment.

Conclusion3

Don't believe the riggers at Largs when they tell you that to replace the sheaves will need the mast un stepping and stepping. It's very expensive and not necessary.

John ordered a couple of sheaves from Z-spar, we also discovered that the sheaves are sized for 8-10mm rope so the 12mm halliards could have been a contributing factor to the sheaves demise. Consequently we shall be replacing them with 10mm, thought about cruising Dyneema but as it is only half a ton stronger and a few percent less stretch@ almost twice the price it doesn't seem worth it for a cruising boat. Plus I never like the way Dyneema loses it's sheath.

Staying here for a few days as there is a good band on down the pub Friday night.

I will be very glad to get the boat sorted.