Even as busy as I was the last couple weeks at work, I did manage to get 2 1/2 things done. Installed a new main halyard and ran the tail back to the cockpit with a cheek block and a rope clutch a few nights ago. That upgrade I am VERY happy with, went out today, the hoisting and halyard tension adjustment under sail is convenient to say the least. After a wonderful sail out off Honeymoon Island, we went swimming and I changed out the keel winch cable. Got all done and realized how easy it was, the old shackle was stainless and turned off without any fuss. Now the keel comes all the way up instead of about a foot below normal. My girlfriend and I scraped the bottom a bit while we were out, it wasn't too bad but we could definitely feel a speed difference on the way in. And the 1/2 item is making the templates for the stereo/ electrical panel box I am building for the port side shelf, will post pics when I get that built.
Cheek block and new halyard. Still need to put a mast step block instead of the old block that was there, but may opt to run the halyards inside the mast and just put exit blocks. So much cleaner that way.
Old keel cable. It was fastened about 8 inches up from the shackle, meaning the keel couldn't raise up all the way
New keel cable with a properly swaged end. Unfortunately it appears that the bottom ring or shackle (couldn't tell which) is embedded in the fiberglass that is coating the keel. I will attend to that when I haul the boat and pull the keel out.
New cable spooled up on old winch. Getting ready to install a new one (next project). We really appreciate the location on the step, but hate kicking it.
