Need advice on winterizing and halyard choice

[BSAA_FieldAgent]

I'm based in Massachusetts and getting ready to haul my Pacific Seacraft 37 for the season. The boat has been in the water since 2010 and hasn't had any major rigging upgrades. The current halyard is 7/16-inch, but it's hard to raise the main from the cockpit, especially when solo sailing. I've considered switching to a 3/8-inch line to make things easier, but I'm concerned about whether the masthead sheaves will handle that reduction.

I reviewed the LeFiel parts list and found that only the 05-0975-00 sheave has the correct dimensions for a 7/16-inch line, but I don't know if that's what's currently installed. My neighbor, who owns a similar boat, said his sheaves were replaced in 2015 with newer units, but he didn't keep track of the specs. Can someone confirm what sheave size is typically used on PSC 37s? And if I reduce the diameter to 3/8-inch, will that impact the longevity of the sheaves?

 

[seventy-five86]

I'm based in Massachusetts and getting ready to haul my Pacific Seacraft 37 for the season. The boat has been in the water since 2010 and hasn't had any major rigging upgrades. The current halyard is 7/16-inch, but it's hard to raise the main from the cockpit, especially when solo sailing. I've considered switching to a 3/8-inch line to make things easier, but I'm concerned about whether the masthead sheaves will handle that reduction.

I reviewed the LeFiel parts list and found that only the 05-0975-00 sheave has the correct dimensions for a 7/16-inch line, but I don't know if that's what's currently installed. My neighbor, who owns a similar boat, said his sheaves were replaced in 2015 with newer units, but he didn't keep track of the specs. Can someone confirm what sheave size is typically used on PSC 37s? And if I reduce the diameter to 3/8-inch, will that impact the longevity of the sheaves?

I have a 1985 Pacific Seacraft 37 in LA and had the same problem last season. I changed to a 3/8 Dyneema halyard to make it easier to raise the sail alone. It worked great. The old sheaves on my boat were fine with the smaller line and still look good. Just check that the line fits in the groove and does not sit too low. If you are not sure about your sheaves, a quick look at the top of the mast before hauling out could help.

 

[BSAA_FieldAgent]

We're hauling the boat out next week, so I'll go up the mast for a final check before then, just like you suggested. I'll also see how the smaller line fits in the sheave groove. When you switched to the 3/8-inch Dyneema, did you use a single braid or a double braid with the cover stripped at the top?