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A wire jib halyard does two jobs. It hoists the jib, and on most dinghies it also carries the rig tension once the sail is up. Wire is used because it hardly stretches, so your jib luff stays tight and your rig settings stay where you put them.
We stock ready made wire jib halyards for the Laser 2000, Laser Bahia and Laser Vago, each made to the correct length for the class.
For other boats, we make custom length jib halyards to order in 3mm 7x19 wire, a flexible construction that runs cleanly over the mast sheave. Each one is supplied with a rope tail. If your wire is still in good condition, our universal jib halyard tail with eye splice is a simple replacement for a worn tail.
Looking for rope halyards? See our Halyard Ropes, or explore all Boat Rigging.
Some frequently asked questions that other customers have asked us about Wire Jib Halyards.
Why are jib halyards made of wire?
Jib halyards are made of wire because wire hardly stretches. On most dinghies with a jib, the halyard carries the rig tension when you are sailing, so any stretch lets the jib luff sag and the mast move. A wire halyard holds its length under load, which keeps your rig tension and jib shape consistent from the first race to the last.
What is a jib halyard tail?
A jib halyard tail is the length of rope joined to the end of a wire jib halyard. You pull on the tail to hoist the jib, then attach the wire to the tensioning system on the mast or deck, so the rope carries no load when sailing. Tails wear out faster than the wire, so we stock a replacement with an eye splice.
What is 7x19 wire and why is it used for halyards?
7x19 wire is made from seven strands, each containing 19 fine wires. That construction makes it flexible, so it can bend around the sheave at the top of the mast without damage. Stiffer 1x19 wire is used for shrouds and forestays, which stay straight, while 7x19 is the standard choice for wire halyards.
Can I order a wire jib halyard made to a custom length?
Yes, we make wire jib halyards to a custom length in 3mm 7x19 wire, supplied with a rope tail. Measure your existing wire from end to end and order to that length. We also stock ready made jib halyards for the Laser 2000, Laser Bahia and Laser Vago. Custom halyards are made to order, so check the lead time before you buy.
When should I replace a wire jib halyard?
Replace a wire jib halyard as soon as you find a broken strand, a kink or a flattened section. Check the part that sits over the mast sheave when the jib is hoisted, and the eye at the lower end, as these wear first. Because the halyard carries the rig tension, a failure under load can bring the mast down.
