Reeving lines

[seawolf]

Hello all,
I was wondering what kind of line the rigging community usually uses for reeving lines, for removing and replacing halyards?
I have used surveyor's line because it is so cheap, but the stretch worries me when some force is required to get a line through. And the diameter is small and possible to slip off and jam between sheaves Even though excess force required may be the indication of another problem, I would like to have a line I know I can depend on. Also cost is an issue if you are using a few hundred feet of the stuff.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Bob

[Jim Fulton]

I use the smallest diameter Stayset: 3/16", I think. I have one for each halyard that I reuse each year when I lay the boat up for the winter. These reeving lines are color-coded to match the halyards, makng it easier to put things back together right in the spring.

Jim Fulton

[seawolf]

Jim,
Thanks for the reply.
I will check into some of the smaller sizes of sta-set.
Do you have reeving eyes on the end of your halyards?
After messing around with tape, seizing and sewing loops with small HM line, finally put some in mine and its so much easier. But I guess if you want to end for end your halyards you need to re-splice.

That brings up another thought. After having halyards in place for a long time and wanting to end for end, now you are looking at splicing a weathered halyard which can be very difficult of not impossible. What do the pros do in this situation? Tough it out and splice, or use a buntline hitch for the shackle?