How often should it be done?

What a nice new site! Hopefully you'll be able to help me:

I am about to change our main halyard, as part of a major sail and reefing upgrade, along with the topping lift. They look a bit grubby, although in good condition.

How often should they be changed? Is it dependant on how much it is used - which is very little on a furling system - or should they be changed after a set period of time?

Hi Mike,

Well I don't change mine very often, only every 5 years or so, although I don't know how much of a reccomendation that is! I've never had any problems.

If they are still in good condition then just give them a good wash- with some softener- in the washing machine, they're quite expensive things to replace if they are just a bit stiff.

I only change mine after a period of extreme wear, and when they start to look tired, so if you don't use them much then really don't worry too much about it- unless they look tired.

I'd stick them in the wash first and then see what the result is like!

J

If replacing the halyard its worth buying a extra few feet of rope this way you can
shorten the halyard by a few inches every so often so the rope does not always wear in the same place.

Jim

If there are any bends or breakages in the rope it is worth changing as it makes it easier to pull as there will be less resistant. If it is just a case of it being grubby they it is just cosmetic so I wouldn’t bother.

It's an unnessisary expense. Boats always look better when they have a bit of wear and tear - shows that they are used!

Well said Sophie