Since Aeolus is out of sailing shape these days while I wait for my new traveler to arrive (different story) I decided to climb the old mast and get to replacing the masthead sheaves I had noticed before were grooved from the wire part of the halyard. No problem, as again I am very, very happy to have mast steps given how often I go up my mast while alone. Of course, being here in Friday Harbor, the ferry comes in whenever I am 40 feet up and I get an E ticket ride
So I need to replace my 20 year old plastic sheaves. Once upon a time I came across a place, I thought here in Washington, that specialized in mast fittings and had a huge selection of sheaves. Now I can't find them. I am hoping someone can steer me to a good place to source new sheaves for a reasonable price? Anyone with advice?
I also have a stay strap question. My head and backstays attach to the masthead with a stainless strap. These straps look beefy enough, but where they bend around the cotter pin, they look fatigued. You know how metal gets that stretched look. Well, they do make a tight turn around that 3/8 cotter, but I don't like the look of it, and being that they are 20 years old, I am thinking to replace them too. I just replaced all my standing rigging. I can't find any sources for these straps. Are they all custom? Can I buy them off the shelf somewhere?
I have pictures if anyone is interested.
Thanks
