Doing some work on masthead: questions

[bwindrope]

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

[Jim Fulton]

Originally Posted by bwindrope

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

Try

ZEPHYRWERKS
Ed Louchard
521 Snagstead Way, Port Townsend, WA 98368
tel: 360 385-2720 fax: 360 385-1724
email: edo@cablespeed.com

http://zephyrwerks.com/default.asp

Great stuff!

Jim Fulton

[bwindrope]

Jim,
That's it! Thank you so very much. I've been a bit more of a receiver than giver of help recently, but am doing a lot of projects and am learning a ton. I will contact Zephyr works tomorrow and order my sheaves. Yippee! I found rigrite has something kinda close, but not exact, but always dislike the idea of sending my money all the way back East and then having stuff shipped 3,000 miles back West. Besides, think globally, act locally.

Still wondering about those stay straps? Anyone with experience with those?

By the way, I have been working on a blog for all my boat projects as a way of maybe being helpful to people doing similar things, as I have benefited greatly from other people's boat blogs. Aeolus is at www.gulf32aeolus.blogspot.com In case anyone knows even less than I do and would benefit from my pictures and explanations...

Cheers