HOW TO LEAD THE HALYARDS FROM THE MAST BASE OF AN SCM 1980 HURLEY 22
WITH A CAST ALUMINIUM SHALLOW MAST FOOT BASE PLATE

BY
KEVIN MITCHELL ABOARD VIXEN

When I bought Vixen the halyards were hanked onto cleats near the bottom of the mast but I wanted them to come back to the cockpit because having had one hip replaced I did not fancy leaving that comfortable, safe place at times when there is some chop in the water.
There were two significant stumbling blocks, one was the depth of the mast foot deck plate fitting and the other the height of the combing near the cabin entry. Where I would need to either drill through or lead the running rigging over the top. I overcame both problems as you will see in the photos.

First, Phil Kirby told me that it was ok to pilot drill the cast aluminium and screw anything on with self tappers so I approached my local yacht chandler and explained what I wanted to do and he gave me a couple of right angled short lengths of aluminium angle. I cut and drilled these to allow for any other deck fittings so I would be able to get a screwdriver in at the right angle and fitted them on. I then bought some deck fitting sheaves and bolted these to the plate. As you will see I overcame the combing height by laminating thin strips of mahogany to form blocks. Each of these is bolted right through the coach roof of the cabin where I have used large penny washers to spread the load. Needless to say, each block was liberally coated with a clear marine sealant and each bolt also covered with the same before securing.

The result of my efforts I'm sure you will appreciate from the photographs

Kevin Mitchell

1.Double detail	2. From foredeck - all my work	3. Lewmar clutch on mahogany

4. Mast plate halyard bracket	5. Starboard side