Replacing Wire Halyards with Line

Many older sailboats still run wire halyards, and converting to modern rope is absolutely doable—but there’s a common mistake that destroys new line fast: old wire sheaves get scored over time and can chew through rope in weeks. In this video, we explain the right way to upgrade: inspect/replace the masthead sheaves first, then choose the correct halyard—whether that’s Dyneema for high performance or a simpler double braid for cruising. We also cover why wire-to-rope splices are no longer typical, and why modern rope halyards are often easier to manage and repair than wire. Want to upgrade line check out the pro's at R&W Rope - https://www.rwrope.com Master Sail Trim Free Sail Trim Course - https://www.nauticed.org/sailing-courses/view/basic-sail-trim?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=C_Lq87GN0Nk Advanced Sail Trim Course - https://www.nauticed.org/sailing-courses/view/sail-trim?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=C_Lq87GN0Nk 00:00 - Wire Halyards to Rope: Overview 00:27 - The Big Problem: Wire Sheaves Get Scored 00:57 - Why New Rope Fails Fast (Chafe at the Masthead) 01:19 - Best Time to Do It: Mast Down vs Bosun’s Chair 01:55 - Performance Option: Dyneema Halyards #sailing #sailinggear #sailboat #sailingschool