Splicing older Sta Set X halyard

[Tony Allport]

Hi,
I recently ripped the eye out of my 1/2" Sta Set X main halyard. The line is a few years old and is fairly stiff and stretched out. My question is can a new splice be laid in on this line or do I need a new piece of rope? Any suggestions?

Best Regards,

Tony Allport

[NickfromWI]

First, can you clarify what you mean by...

Originally Posted by Tony Allport

Hi,
...ripped the eye out of my 1/2" Sta Set X main halyard....

Yes, you CAN do it. Used rope is harder to splice, but it can be done.

Have you spliced sta-set X before?

love
nick

[Tony Allport]

Yes, I can clarify. The eye splice at the shackle of my main halyard had shown signs of pulling out by exposing an inch or so of core material. this happened gradualy over last summer. It finally gave out while sailing with a single reef in 35 to 40 knots, gusting into the mid 50's, about eight to ten inches of frayed core was sticking out at the end.

I have not spliced Sta Set X but I am glad to hear that you think it can be done. It would be a shame to waste 85 feet of otherwise serviceable line.

Thanks,

Tony

[Brion Toss]

Hi there,
First, it is amazing and alarming that the splice could pull out; properly done, it's impossible. Who spliced it? Next, as noted in other letters, X is respliceable, and I think moreso than double-braid. Consider using the bitter end, as it is usually less weathered than the working end. And wash the rope first, or at least the end, to soften it up. A mild laundry softener, some borax, and a dash of laundry softener will do. And be sure the splice is right!
Fair leads,
Brion Toss

[NickfromWI]

I would be in touch with whoever spliced it RIGHT AWAY.

Did you splice it? Did you get it pre-spliced? Did it have a whipping or lockstitch of any type? I know the core of that stuff can be un-ruly and might not obey a few stitches of twine, but it seems a proper whipping would do a lot to keep the core in.

How was the splice finished?

love
nick

[Tony Allport]

Hello,
No I didn't splice it. I bought the boat two years ago and the halyards came with it. I recently bought Brion's splicing video so I will take a stab at making a new splice. It is something that I would like to know. I will let you know how I do.

Regards,

Tony

PS The original splice did have a whipping on it.